Liverpool "really like" French midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni and are interested in bringing him to Anfield this summer, according to journalist James Pearce.
What's the latest?
The Athletic's Pearce provided an update on The Reds' interest in Tchouameni.
French website Foot Mercato were one of the outlets reporting Liverpool's interest late last month and it now seems that Klopp is determined to bring him to the Premier League.
The journalist was speaking in his Q&A for the Athletic and said: "Liverpool really like him. Big talent. But price tag could be an issue and Real Madrid also very keen. Be interesting to see what happens with that one."
He would make a great addition to the Liverpool midfield alongside Thiago and Fabinho.
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He's better than Henderson
The man he would likely replace in the starting line-up for The Reds would be captain Jordan Henderson. Dropping your skipper might sound like a bold move, but if Liverpool are to keep up with rivals Manchester City as well as other European giants, they need to be constantly improving their squad.
Tchouameni is an improvement on Henderson, he may not possess the same leadership qualities as the 31-year old, but he's younger and has been making his mark this season in Ligue 1.
He currently plays for Monaco who he joined in 2020 from Bordeaux and is rated at £36m by Transfermarkt. He has made 33 appearances in the league and has been a key player in his club's challenge to secure a place in the Champions League next season, they currently sit second.
If you compare him to Henderson this season it's easy to see why Klopp wants him on Merseyside. Tchouameni, who has been dubbed "extraordinary" by Paul Pogba, has made more progressive passes this campaign with 176 to his name compared to the Liverpool captain's 162.
He also performs better with the ball with 27 more progressive carries this season than Henderson.
Liverpool need to start thinking ahead, and at just 22-years old Tchouameni is the future. He's the perfect eventual successor to Henderson, and if he moves now he will be able to learn from not just his experience but from Thiago and Fabinho too.
Nicknamed the "octopus", his impressive numbers mean it's not surprising that The Reds want him, but they're not the only ones. If they're to secure his signature they need to beat off competition from their opponents in the Champions League final Real Madrid.
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