Liverpool will have to work their way around several moving parts when it comes to finalising ongoing changes to their engine room, but from a stationary position Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team could have no better man to pursue than Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.
Having shelved initial plans to target Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham this summer, due to the financial costs in that would-be deal, Liverpool have now signed Alexis Mac Allister as they prepare to make further additions in that same position. So does Ward-Prowse fit the bill?
His ability from set-pieces is beyond question and, should he return to the Premier League sooner rather than later after Southampton were relegated, the 28-year-old will almost-certainly overtake David Beckham as the top-scorer from dead-ball situations in the competition's history. He currently has 17 to Beckham's 18.
Of course, that alone is not enough to underline his credentials. However, as stated by treble-winning Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola previously, the specialism Ward-Prowse holds from corners and free-kicks can devalue other qualities the 11-cap England international brings to the table.
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Speaking about him last season, Guardiola said: "Southampton have the best free-kick taker I have ever seen or at least in the world right now. He's so good that, maybe, you miss a little bit about the football player.
"He's a team player with great quality, without the ball and with the ball. He really understands the game, but with his free-kicks, set-pieces and corners, that [is what] people pay more attention to."
Reports from several national publications indicate Ward-Prowse is being considered by Klopp and his recruitment team as a potential option for when the market reopens. However, an article published by The Daily Mail argues he will only come under consideration if Southampton reduce their £50m asking price.
Southampton to Anfield - directly or otherwise - has been a well-trodden path over the last decade with Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and countless more appearing for the Saints and then Liverpool in the Premier League era. But will that list be added to in the forthcoming window?
Setting initially setting sights on Bellingham and then Mason Mount - who appears to be leaning towards a switch Manchester United - key figures in the Anfield boardroom are, seemingly, open to signing another Englishman after losing James Milner and Alex Chamberlain on free transfers.
Of course, that would help the club adhere to current homegrown player rules, but any addition made with those guidelines in mind must be good enough to add something to the squad first and foremost; especially when Klopp has moved tooth and nail to freshen things up in the middle of the park.
Despite a glowing reference from Guardiola non other, Ward-Prowse is a wildcard for Liverpool or other sides who exclusively harbour top-four ambitions. When it comes to tracking Southampton players, though, they have been in this same position with largely positive results.
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