Liverpool to use ‘intriguing’ star as bait in ‘immediate’ January raid on Serie A giants to fix problem position

Liverpool are reportedly willing to part company with a first-team star in order to seal the January transfer of Adrien Rabiot from Juventus.

The France international has emerged as a major option for Jurgen Klopp in the new year, as the Reds boss looks to give a shot in the arm to his struggling engine room.

Klopp already tried to do that once with the addition of Arthur on loan from the Turin giants in the summer.

However, that move very quickly turned into a disaster, prompting the Anfield chief to now look elsewhere.

Arthur was building up his fitness before suffering a thigh injury last month. And that issue is expected to keep him out until February at least.

That will almost certainly lead to Liverpool snubbing their option of a permanent transfer.

And with Arthur still sidelined well into the new year, Klopp knows he needs to another body to his midfield.

Both Jordan Henderson and Thiago have had their own injury issues this season. However, the former is in England’s World Cup squad after recovering in time for the tournament in Qatar.

Liverpool’s interest in Rabiot does not come without issues, however.

The main one stems from significant Chelsea interest in a player who is out of contract next summer.

Manchester United were keen on landing the 27-year-old last summer but ended up bringing in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro instead.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter is keen to get Rabiot on board as the Blues prepare to lose N’Golo Kante and Jorgingho next summer.

Swap offer intriguing for Juventus

However, Calciomercato claims that Rabiot is open to any solution’ and that Liverpool will ‘immediately try’ to sign him.

The Reds are also hoping that Juve may be tempted into a swap deal involving reserve left-back Kostas Tsimikas.

The Greece international, who is under contract until 2025, has previously been linked with a switch to Italy.

Indeed, Calcio adds that Juventus may be open to this transfer, as Tsimikas is a player who could be an ‘intriguing solution’ for them to replace the struggling Alex Sandro.

But despite all the noise around Rabiot’s exit, it’s thought Juve are still ‘evaluating the renewal’ of his contract.

At this stage, it’s also unclear whether Klopp is ready to part company with Tsimikas.

The defender has already played a major squad role for Liverpool this season, stepping in several times for Andy Robertson.

The Reds are not back in action until December 22 when they take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

READ MORE: Klopp favourite states ideal next move when leaving Liverpool