Liverpool have been urged to sign Yves Bissouma and make him Jordan Henderson 's long-term heir.
That is the verdict of former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant, who believes the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder would be a "perfect" fit to replace Jurgen Klopp 's commander-in-chief.
Henderson is now 31 and despite penning a new contract until 2025 last August, the Anfield engine will not run on forever and Pennant reckons Bissouma - who has been linked with a move to Merseyside - is the man to replace the Liverpool captain.
Asked whether the Mali international's addition in the January transfer window would be beneficial for Klopp and co, the ex-Reds speedster told BestofBets.com: "Most definitely and even more so as Jordan Henderson is edging towards the parts of his career.
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"To have someone like Bissouma in the midfield would add something to that midfield. Bissouma is great on the ball, similar to Jordan, nice passing, and gets around the pitch easily.
"And not only that, his defensive side of it is great too. So, if you're looking at like for like, a replacement, I think that would perfect for Jordan Henderson.
"And for Brighton, who seem like a business venture club, I'm sure they'd listen to should the right offer be put forward. And yes, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also known to be interested but looking at the three clubs, I know which one I'd prefer."
The Times recently reported that Bissouma would be available for a cool £50million in the January window, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United tagged as interested.
But after Georginio Wijnaldum 's departure ahead of this season, Klopp has been keen to sign a midfielder who can bring energy to his ageing - but still fully firing - team.
Bissouma's deal with the Seagulls expires next summer, meaning Brighton have 18 months to cash in or tie him down to fresh terms.
Liverpool legend John Barnes agrees with Pennant's verdict on the 25-year-old, telling BonusCodeBets: "From a Liverpool perspective, it would be lovely to see Yves Bissouma playing at Anfield rather than for Newcastle or Aston Villa.
"If you look at the age of Liverpool's midfielders, a lot of them are aged 30 or older, Yves is young and would be an excellent signing for the club.
"He must decide what is right for himself, but the quality he possesses at this stage of his career – he should be aiming higher. Newcastle is a great club, but if you ask people Liverpool or Newcastle, then it's a no brainer.
"If you wanted to create a template for the ideal Liverpool central midfielder, Bissouma fits it perfectly."
