Liverpool look set to press ahead with a £60m move for RB Leipzig's Dominik Szoboszlai.
Club officials held talks with the Hungary captain's representatives earlier this week as they held exploratory discussions around a potential deal for the attacking midfielder.
There had been some conjecture over the existence of the 22-year-old's release clause with varied reports about when it was due to run out, but as of July 1 Leizpig will be able to name their own price for one of their most coveted assets.
That may not necessarily have led to Liverpool walking away completely but it would undoubtedly have added an extra layer of complexity to a deal at a time when the recruitment department are continuing to scour the market for available players who can improve a squad that dropped to their lowest finish since 2016 last time out.
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However, after being given encouragement in their talks with the player's representatives, Liverpool are now looking to move the deal on further by opening talks with Leipzig.
Liverpool sources initially played down the extent of the Reds' pursuit of Szoboszlai this week but it is understood that following initial talks with the player's EM Sports representatives, which is owned by agent Matyas Esterhazy, the club have gained confidence that a deal can be done.
Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in Szoboszlai after seeing their primary target James Maddison move to Tottenham earlier this week. However, it's since been reported that the Magpies have moved away, clearing the pathway for Jurgen Klopp's side to make their move.
The specifics of Szoboszlai's terms mean any potential deal will become akin to one completed on transfer deadline day when clubs often work flat out to sign off on the terms before their late evening time limit.
The two clubs have regularly dealt with each other in recent years, dating back to the initial agreement that was struck for Naby Keita back in 2017. Since then, Ibrahima Konate has moved to Anfield directly from Saxony, while Fabio Carvalho is on the cusp of moving in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
New sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's experience and knowledge of working with Bundesliga clubs is also an element that could work in Liverpool's favour as they attempt to secure a deal for Szoboszlai.
Schmadtke officially started on a short-term contract at the beginning of the month but was formally given a hand-over of duties from Julian Ward once Alexis Mac Allister was added to the squad the following week.
Szoboszlai, whose Leipzig contract runs until 2025, is capable of operating in a number of midfield roles and has scored 20 goals in 91 games with his current club after joining from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.
His record of 10 goals and 13 assists last term suggests he would add a goalscoring and creative dynamic to the engine room ranks at Anfield and the 22-year-old has become known for his eye-catching strikes from long range.
Speaking to Hungarian publication Index last month, the Leipzig star admitted he would love to work with the Liverpool manager, saying: "It would certainly be a special experience to work under Klopp. As it would be under Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho.
“I don’t know what they would be able to get out of me. Relatively few footballers are given all this (opportunity), however. Only the best. I believe I can reach that level, and it would be great to work with any of them one day."
Liverpool's midfield search has been an open secret this summer. After landing Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion when his £35m release clause was triggered on June 8, the Reds turned their attention to a number of less experienced candidates for their midfield rebuild.
Khephren Thuram of Nice is under consideration alongside Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga. Netherlands international Ryan Gravenberch has his admirers and it is believed Liverpool spoke to the Bayern Munich midfielder's representatives earlier this year after watching him become disgruntled with a lack of playing time in Germany.
However, with new coach Thomas Tuchel set to sit down with the former Ajax youngster upon his return to pre-season, Liverpool have a watching brief where Gravenberch is concerned presently and the player hinted earlier this week that his future, for now, was at Bayern.
“I assume I will still play here next season," Gravenberch said. “That’s really how I feel. I’m at a top three club in the world. I find that beautiful and special. I won’t give that up just like that. My goal is still to succeed at Bayern.”
Thuram's France Under-21 team-mate Manu Kone had also been assessed but a knee injury picked up on international duty this week could yet change those plans, depending on the extent of the issue.
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is another who the club have performed due diligence on, while Liverpool walked away from a move for Mason Mount due to Chelsea refusing to lower their demands for the England international who is now closing in on a £60m move to Manchester United.
