Liverpool have been linked with a move for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his first-team squad this summer.

What's the story?

The 27-year-old has impressed throughout his time in Serie A and was heavily courted by fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United 12 months ago.

However, De Paul ended up remaining at the Stadio Friuli, with his standout displays attracting the attention of Jurgen Klopp, according to Italian outlet FC Inter News.

Liverpool must swoop

The report claims that Liverpool have asked Mino Raiola for information on his client as the upcoming transfer window approaches, although they're expected to face competition from Inter, AC Milan, Atletico Madrid and Leeds for his signature.

A fee of around £35m is expected to be enough to prize the Argentina international away from Udinese over the coming months, and his former manager Julio Velazquez was full of praise for the creative talent last year.

“His strength is intelligence on and off the pitch. On the pitch, he knows best what space to occupy and how to do it," Velazquez told Gazetta Dello Sport (as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb).

"On an extra level, however, he understood how Udinese would have been the best place for him to grow. He lacks absolutely nothing, he could play in any club in the world.

"He has also improved on the defensive level, and in attack, he improves the team.”

De Paul didn't let the collapse of his proposed move to Elland Road last summer slow him down, bagging nine goals and providing 11 assists in 38 appearances for Luca Gotti's men.

The South American was pivotal to everything his side did in the attacking third, recording the most dribbles per league game (3.4) amongst his teammates, the most key passes (2.3) and the second-highest shots per league game with 2.3.

His arrival at Anfield could be the perfect replacement for the departing Gini Wijnaldum after the Dutch international joined Paris Saint-Germain following five incredible years on Merseyside.

Several names have been linked with Liverpool following the 30-year-old's exit, but De Paul would be a perfect fit and bring bags of excitement to the Reds' line-up.

The club's hierarchy must swoop for Udinese wizard as Klopp attempts to return Liverpool to the summit of English football before another top team shows their hand.

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