Liverpool are in the market for a new central midfielder - but are not currently planning on making a move this summer.
The Reds have drawn up a long-term plan as they look to continue the evolution of their squad under Jurgen Klopp by bolstering the engine room with younger talent.
At present, Liverpool have a plethora of midfield options evidenced by several being unable to make even the substitutes' bench in recent weeks. And while they aren't anticipating any significant departures from the engine room this summer, the landscape could change during the forthcoming transfer window.
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James Milner is due to be out of contract at the end of the season - although Klopp has previously urged talks over an extension - while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are approaching the final 12 months of their current deals and could be the subject of offers elsewhere.
Liverpool's recruitment team has targeted a number of possible midfield targets, with Monaco's France international Aurelien Tchouameni one such name. However, it is understood Real Madrid are clear favourites to sign the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
Nevertheless, Tchouameni fits the profile of the player the Reds view as being able to add to the squad in terms of age, versatility and physical attributes.
Liverpool also remain strong admirers of Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham, but are aware the Bundesliga side are unlikely to sell this summer due to the likely imminent departure of Erling Haaland. Dortmund are reluctant to allow two of their most highly-rated players to leave in the same transfer window.
Any potential suitors are therefore almost certain to have to wait until after the mid-season World Cup later this year in which Bellingham is expected to play a key role for England. With no clause in the 18-year-old's contract, a good tournament could further inflate his asking price.
The Reds were among a number of clubs keen on Bellingham before he moved from Birmingham City to Dortmund for £22.75m in June 2020.
Liverpool are already closing in on a deal worth an initial £5million to sign Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho this summer having failed in an attempt to complete a move for the 19-year-old in January.
