Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Sofyan Amrabat to north London in the January transfer window.
What's the talk?
That's according to a report by French media outlet Foot Mercato (via BBC Sport), who claim that, despite Antonio Conte's long-standing interest in the ACF Fiorentina central midfielder, the 26-year-old would prefer a move to Tottenham's Premier League rivals Liverpool this winter - with the Reds also thought to be keen on the Morocco international.
The report goes on to state that Jurgen Klopp has already met with the player's representatives regarding a potential switch to Anfield in January, with talks between the two parties expected to continue talks in the coming weeks.
Finally, it is said that Atletico Madrid are also keeping a close eye on the situation of the midfielder ahead of potentially launching their own move this winter, while Fiorentina are believed to be looking for a figure in the region of €40m (£35m) in order to sanction Amrabat's sale.
Conte must move
Considering just how impressive Amrabat has been for both club and county so far this season, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the 26-year-old to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the second half of the Premier League campaign.
Indeed, over his 13 Serie A appearances in 2022/23, the £17.5m-rated talent has been a rock in the heart of Vincenzo Italiano's Fiorentina side, making an average of 1.2 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.5 clearances and winning 2.8 duels per game, as well as completing an average of 40.2 passes - at a success rate of 91% - per match.
These returns have seen the 46-cap international average a very respectable Sofascore match rating of 6.80, currently ranking him as La Viola's 11th-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.
However, it was undoubtedly over Amrabat's six fixtures at the World Cup that the £32k-per-week midfielder impressed the most, enjoying an average of 57 touches, playing 2.2 long balls and completing 37.3 total passes - at a success rate of 85% - per game, in addition to making an average of 2.5 tackles, one interception, 1.7 clearances and winning 3.8 duels per match.
These returns saw the former Hellas Verona star average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 6.90, ranking him as Walid Regragui's joint eighth-best performer in the competition - playing a crucial role in his country's simply sensational run to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Rather understandably, his performances in Qatar earned a considerable amount of praise, with French president Emmanuel Macron said to have told Amrabat he was "the best midfielder" in the competition following Morocco's semi-final defeat to France, while Jamie O'Hara, speaking live on talkSPORT, also stated that the 26-year-old would be "perfect" for Tottenham.
As such, while the latest reports would not appear to bode well for Conte's chances of landing the Moroccan sensation this winter, it would nevertheless appear wise for the Italian to still launch a move for the midfielder, as Amrabat would indeed appear to make something of a perfect addition to the 53-year-old's current options in the middle of the park.