After more than a year's worth of relentless rumours and speculation, it seems that Liverpool have all but given up hope of enticing Jude Bellingham to Anfield.
The teenage sensation has the world at his feet and while his future is likely to be away from his current club Borussia Dortmund, it isn't expected to feature the Reds either. The 19-year-old remains a transfer target for the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid, but Jurgen Klopp is now likely to divert his attention to alternative targets.
This decision is thought to have stemmed from the fact that Liverpool are staring down the barrel of a huge summer rebuild to improve on this season's disappointing showing next term. It is believed among those at the top of the Reds hierarchy that the money spent on Bellingham is now better used strengthening multiple areas.
James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out of contract at the end of the season and it is unclear just how many of the trio will extend.
Club captain Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are both in their 30s and Fabinho has struggled for form this season, meaning midfield is a glaring problem area Klopp must address.
As a result, Mirror Football has identified some alternative options the Liverpool boss could explore while analysing how the Reds could line up next term having used their financial resources elsewhere.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should Klopp look to sign instead of Bellingham? Comment below
There will almost certainly be no change between the sticks, given current number one Alisson is widely viewed as the best goalkeeper in the world.
Left-back Andy Robertson is expected to start as normal and the Reds still have stellar options at centre-back, with all three of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip available to call upon.
Though Trent Alexander-Arnold has faced serious scrutiny over his defensive prowess this term, Klopp has always been the first to passionately and publicly send the right-back his full backing, meaning he is not likely to face any extended period out of the fold.
With that being said, the Reds boss could look to bring in another body to deputise for Alexander-Arnold and take him out of the firing line when the spotlight's glare is too much.
Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda has caught the eye of everyone from Manchester United to Borussia Dortmund and is widely expected to leave Spain in the summer.
This is despite the fact he is contracted to his current side until 2025, though the sheer size of the clubs knocking on his door means Valladolid are unlikely to stand in his way and Liverpool could swoop.
It is in the middle of the park where Liverpool can expect plenty of change.
Bristol City starlet Alex Scott has been mentioned as an option, but the Anfield faithful are likely to get far more excited about speculation touting Mason Mount with a move to the red half of Merseyside.
The Chelsea star has less than 15 months left to run on his current Blues deal, meaning this coming summer presents Todd Boehly and co. with their last real chance to cash in on the 24-year-old Champions League winner.
Though Mount and Scott may not set Liverpool back too much, they will have to fork out quite a fee if they are to lure Alexis Mac Allister to Anfield from the Amex.
The Argentina international is the subject of interest from fellow Premier League outfits Arsenal and Chelsea, but the Reds will harbour hope they can entice the World Cup winner to Anfield instead.
Technically gifted with a stellar ability to break lines as well as a keen eye for goal, there is a reason the 24-year-old is held in such high regard by some of Europe's biggest clubs.
All this upheaval means Klopp will aim to have one of Fabinho or Thiago in the midfield for balance next term, but expect some new faces in Liverpool's midfield.
From an attacking standpoint, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on either flank while Darwin Nunez operates through the middle is likely to be a front three seen a lot next term.
Diogo Jota's versatility means he can be deployed in a number of different attacking roles depending on where he is most needed.
Potential Liverpool XI next season: (4-3-3) Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson; Fabinho, Mason Mount, Alexis Mac Allister; Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo
