It wasn't part of Liverpool's plan to strengthen in midfield, but recent events may have forced their hand with time running out before the transfer window shuts.
Injuries have hit the Reds' squad in a big way, with Thiago, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones among those absent of late. The pile-up has even forced manager Jurgen Klopp to dial back on earlier claims about reinforcements.
"I know we have had this discussion since it all started and I am the one who said we don’t need a midfielder and you were all right and I was wrong. That’s the situation," Klopp admitted in his press conference ahead of Liverpool's game against Bournemouth.
That fixture ended in a comprehensive 9-0 win, after which the visitors moved to sack their manager Scott Parker, but Klopp has rarely been one to overreact to a single result. And he made it clear he would be prepared to move for the right fit but not just for anyone,
"Yes. Ish," Klopp said on Tuesday when asked about reinforcements. "We are not out - but it's really difficult because for sure there are few a players out there who would be the right ones, but there are issues. There's still time
There isn't much time, though, with less than 24 hours of the window left to go. Here Mirror Football has taken a look at some of the players Liverpool might try to sign while they still have time
Moises Caicedo
Brighton youngster Caicedo has emerged as a late target, having previously been on the radar of Manchester United. The Sun reported that a £42m bid could be on the way, but there's every chance this won't be enough to land the Ecuadorian.
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"I think you'd probably get his boots for that from the chairman maybe, knowing the chairman," Seaguls manager Graham Potter said, suggesting a bid of closer to £100m might be required. "It's not for me to talk about. It is what it is."
Jude Bellingham
Like Caicedo, Bellingham is unlikely to come cheap. He cost Borussia Dortmund north of £20m when he had only just turned 17, and has gone from strength to strength since.
Last October, it emerged that Dortmund were not prepared to sell the England international for less than £101m. Since then, he has joined the club's leadership group, further emphasising his importance to the Bundesliga side, but Liverpool remain keen.
There have even been reports of an agreement between the player and the Merseyside club ahead of a potential move in January or next summer. Anything before then could be a taller order, though.
Youri Tielemans
Tielemans has more Premier League pedigree than the other names on this list. The question, though, is whether Leicester City feel it's worth them letting the Belgian run down his contract - which expires next summer - rather than letting him leave now in a cut-price deal.
If Liverpool do look to pounce for the former Monaco man, they are likely to face competition. Arsenal are said to be fans of Tielemans, though Klopp's side do of course have the advantage of being able to offer Champions League football.
Sander Berge
Sheffield United midfielder Berge has emerged as a surprise late target for Liverpool. The Norway international showed some impressive form for the Blades after joining in January 2020, but injuries have derailed his progress at Bramall Lane.
The midfielder reportedly has a £35m release clause in his contract, which could at least remove the need to engage in complex negotiations at the last minute. He's still just 24, too, so would fit the age profile preferred in Klopp signings.
Frenkie de Jong
De Jong is a longer shot than some others, but Liverpool have pulled off long-shot deals before. They've been no strangers to plucking transfers out of thin air, either, with Luis Diaz arriving suddenly in January after links with other clubs throughout the window.
In the case of the Barcelona midfielder, the biggest hold-up is that he appears keen to stay at Camp Nou, with Man Utd and Chelsea failing to make progress on a deal for this reason. He has flown to the UK this week, though, even if his trip is not thought to be transfer-related.
