Liverpool would be interested in signing John McGinn but a deal is highly unlikely due to Aston Villa's £50m asking price.
McGinn is one of Dean Smith's most important players. He missed just one of Villa's Premier League games last term, providing six assists and scoring three goals despite a decent chunk of his minutes coming in a deep-lying midfield role.
He also featured prominently for Scotland at Euro 2020 recently, playing every minute of the Tartan Army's three group games before their elimination.
Liverpool are preparing for life without the long-serving Georginio Wijnaldum, who is joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. According to the Athletic, Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of McGinn with the midfielder catching his attention in Villa's 7-2 victory over the Reds last season.
However, despite a 'very real' interest, there is little chance of him being brought in as Wijnaldum's replacement. Villa are desperate not to sell one of their key players and they are in a strong negotiating position. Since their takeover back in 2017 they have managed to keep hold of their star names and McGinn still has four years left to run on his contract.
Bidding would have to start at between £45m and £50m for the player, funds that Liverpool are reluctant to spend at the current time. Despite Wijnaldum's exit the Reds remain well provisioned in midfield. Barring anymore injuries, their favoured three next season should be Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson, while Curtis Jones is expected to earn more game time.
Saying that, there are concerns about the form and patchy availability of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. Other central midfield option James Milner turns 36 next January.
Here's a look at some realistic names Liverpool could puruse in the transfer market this summer.
Before they sign anyone this summer Liverpool will need to move some fringe players on. Marko Grujic, Divock Origi, Harry Wilson and Neco Williams could all be for the chop but finding Premier League suitors for some of them could be a challenge.
Source : 90min