Liverpool have stepped up their push to sign Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners this summer, according to a new report, as Juventus sweat over proposed interest from the Premier League giants.
With one eye on the market, Liverpool have already shelved long-standing plans to track Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham as they, subsequently, consider possible alternatives. Countless names continue to do the rounds in that respect; including Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Nicolo Barella.
Another man reported to be on their radar is Koopmeiners. He has impressed across two seasons at Atalanta, while Juventus are also thought to be keen on the 25-year-old, who plays alongside Reds duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo for the Netherlands.
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Italian publication Corriere dello Sport say the Reds are "the biggest obstacle" when it comes to Juventus securing the signature of Koopmeiners, who would reportedly command a fee someway over the €35-40m mark.
Interest from Juventus stems from Cristiano Giuntoli - who is expected to be appointed by The Old Lady as sporting director after an impressive spell at newly crowned Serie A champions Napoli - while the club itself have been linked with Koopmeiners for a while. However, the same article indicates Liverpool have already "taken the first steps" to recruit the Dutchman.
Koopmeiners is under contract at Atalanta until 2025. He has totted-up 74 games for them as well as winning 15 caps for the Netherlands since his debut in 2020.
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