Ryan Gravenberch couldn't help stop himself from smiling when he was quizzed about transfer interest from Liverpool - even though the Bayern Munich midfielder has remained coy over a potential summer switch to Anfield.
Gravenberch, 20, has emerged as a target for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who is planning to completely revamp his midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
After pulling out of the race for Borussia Dortmund talisman Jude Bellingham, Liverpool are expected to sign more than midfielder in the summer after a season of struggle in the Premier League. And Gravenberch, who would command a far lower price tag than Bellingham, is believed to fit the bill.
Although the former Ajax starlet was reluctant to comment when he was quizzed on interest from the Reds in the wake of Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League last week, BILD have outlined that Gravenberch couldn't conceal his smile when a potential move to Anfield was brought up - indicating that an opportunity to join the former Premier League champions would certainly appeal.
The Reds have already held talks over a move with Gravenberch's father, Ryan senior, and his agent, Jose Fortes Rodriguez ahead of the summer transfer window.
And Liverpool have agreed to match the midfielder's current salary, which would mean putting together a contract worth around £200,000-a-week. It remains to be seen how much Bayern Munich would demand to sell the youngster, though, who they acquired in a £16.3million deal from Ajax last summer.
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Gravenberch has struggled for regular starts since joining the German giants and has become frustrated with his bit-part role at the Allianz Arena. A switch to Anfield would present the maestro with an opportunity to become a mainstay of Liverpool's new look squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
While a deal for Gravenberch would be far more economically favourable for Liverpool than continuing with their pursuit of Bellingham, competition for his signature is likely to be fierce with Manchester United also admirers of the Bayern ace.
A host of other top midfielders have been linked with a switch to Merseyside in recent weeks, including Chelsea talisman Mason Mount. The Blues academy graduate is currently locked in a contract wrangle with his club and could be available for a knockdown fee if the Londoners decide to cash in at the end of the season.
Wolves duo Matheus Nunes and Ruben Neves are also believed to be on the Reds' radar. Brighton's Moises Caicedo and West Ham captain Declan Rice have been linked to Liverpool in recent months; however, both would command significant transfer fees which could put them out of reach.
