Liverpool look set to lose out in the race for RB Leipzig 's Konrad Laimer, who has his sights set on a move to Bayern Munich.
The midfielder is the latest man to be identified by those at Anfield as they eye reinforcements in the middle of the park. The Reds made enquiries in the latter stages of the summer with the player's contract running out at the end of the current campaign.
Leipzig had looked to tie Laimer down to an improved deal, but the Austrian has no desire to extend his stay with the Red Bull outfit and can sign a pre-contract come January. Bayern have put an offer, that lasts until 2027, on the table as Julian Nagelsmann looks to raid his former side once more.
Liverpool were also joined by Chelsea in the transfer race, but it looks as if both teams will miss out. Laimer did say “nothing has been decided" when quizzed on his future recently, but it looks increasingly likely that a switch to Bavaria will occur, as per Sky in Germany.
Jurgen Klopp is very much looking to bolster his midfield options on Merseyside. It has been cited as the problem area of the squad with the club failing to find suitable additions in the summer - a move that has hampered their season and drawn criticism.
The German has said previously: “We were going for a midfielder but that midfielder decided to go to another club. That can happen. Some players are not available now but for us really interesting. That’s how it is – so we can make that decision.” Liverpool were keen on Aurelien Tchouameni, who ultimately chose Real Madrid over Liverpool when he left Monaco in the summer.
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Jude Bellingham has been touted as their ideal option with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder expected to return to England sooner rather than later. Liverpool will face plenty of competition for the Englishman's signature though - and could be outgunned financially by some of their rivals.
A lot of Klopp's current options are either at the early stages of their development or into their 30s and becoming increasingly injury prone. The likes of Jordan Henderson and Thiago, whilst still being quality operators, have struggled with their fitness at times this term.
Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and, to an extent, Curtis Jones, are all long-term solutions, but need more experienced heads around them if they are to flourish at Anfield. Arthur was signed on loan from Juventus in the summer, but he too has struggled for fitness and has rarely featured.
