Liverpool are plotting a move for James Ward-Prowse after appearing to lose out on Mason Mount to Manchester United.
Mount has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, having entered the final year of his contract at Chelsea. United will now need to agree a deal with the Blues, though given that Mount is set on an exit that would appear to be simple.
It leaves Jurgen Klopp scrambling for alternatives as he looks to rebuild his midfield department. James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all left Anfield, with Klopp now left looking for several recruits to revamp that area of his squad.
Mount had been linked with a move to Anfield, with his time at Chelsea increasingly looking to be over. But Klopp has been forced to move on from the England international, with Ward-Prowse now top of his shopping list.
According to the Daily Mail, the midfielder is almost certain to leave Southampton this summer following their relegation from the top-flight. The Saints have set a £50million price tag on their captain, though Liverpool are prepared to play a waiting game.
There is a feeling that the south coast side will lower their asking price as the window wears on, with funds needed to rebuild their own squad for a promotion challenge. The Reds would be willing to spend around £25m on Ward-Prowse.
And they are said to be read to wait for his price tag to drop down closer to that figure. Ward-Prowse is also preparing for a fresh challenge as he looks to retake his place in the England national team.
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There is no relegation clause in Ward-Prowse's contract, with his deal currently set to run for another three years. Southampton turned down a £25m bid for their captain from Aston Villa last summer and are confident they can bring in a high fee.
Ward-Prowse himself has hinted that he is ready to move on from St Mary's Stadium. Following his side's relegation, the midfielder appeared to deliver a farewell message to the Saints' fans.
"It is nice of course, this is a club that has meant a lot to me. I've been here for 20 years and had a fantastic journey, I've enjoyed every minute of it. You never know what is going to happen in the future," he said.
"I come away this season with my head held high knowing I've done everything I can for this club, not only this year but ever since I came through the door as an eight year old. To play a part in not maintaining that Premier League status hurts me but I'm sure this club will be back in the future."
Liverpool have already boosted their midfield options with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister. The World Cup winner has moved to Anfield from Brighton for £45m and is expected to play in a more attacking role within Klopp's midfield three.
Given how it became an obvious weakness as Liverpool missed out on Champions League qualification, more recruits are needed. But the Reds may need to wait until later in the window before securing their next target.
