Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Klopp activates surprise Liverpool transfer pursuit by phoning new Serie A midfield target to relay Anfield plea

Victor Osimhen, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas

Liverpool have a new name in the frame to strengthen their midfield after Jurgen Klopp reportedly made contact with a Serie A star.

Several players appear to be on Liverpool’s radar as they aim to evolve their midfield in 2023. The likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo all could be on their way out next year. Furthermore, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara will still be under contract but are already past the age of 30.

Liverpool have a few exciting prospects waiting to take over, like Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Fabio Carvalho. But their time might not come immediately. Indeed, Klopp will be wanting to replace anyone who departs with reinforcements ready to make their mark instantly.

With that in mind, Liverpool have been linked with some already established targets. For example, they have been looking towards Serie A, where they have identified Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat as someone of interest after he impressed at the World Cup with Morocco.

But now, it has emerged that Klopp is keen on a different Serie A midfielder, potentially in addition to Amrabat.

According to journalist Ahmet Ercanlar, the Liverpool manager has held talks with Napoli star Eljif Elmas over the phone.

Elmas has been told first hand that Klopp would like him to become a Liverpool player, it is claimed. It would be the former Fenerbahce man’s first experience of Premier League football.

Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti used Elmas as a substitute in both of their meetings with Liverpool in the Champions League earlier this season. Overall, the North Macedonia international has played 20 times this term, scoring three goals from his 14 Serie A outings.

Capable of playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or even wide on the left, Elmas could cover a number of different roles for Liverpool.

Eljif Elmas a surprise suggestion for Liverpool

There are no details as yet about how much Elmas might cost Liverpool to sign. If they do take him, though, Napoli will owe Fenerbahce a sell-on clause.

Elmas has been with the Serie A side since 2019, making 146 appearances and scoring 14 goals in that time, as well as registering nine assists.

In all honesty, he would be a left-field pick for Liverpool. However, they do need to replenish their depth in midfield, not just their starting options.

Elmas’ versatility could make him appealing for a fringe role. In fact, by virtue of it, he might get more opportunities than some may initially expect.

But Liverpool fans will be waiting to hear from sources closer to home about any potential interest before really beginning to imagine Elmas in their squad.

Interestingly, Elmas was linked with Everton over the summer. Therefore, Liverpool beating their local rivals to him may have an extra positive aspect.

The ex-Rabotnicki product is under contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona until 2025.

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