Liverpool have been told to sign Real Madrid star Federico Valverde by BBC pundit Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Late offer rejected

The Reds were on the hunt for a new midfielder over the summer to provide cover for an injury crisis, and ended up landing Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan.

However, he wasn’t one of FSG’s original targets, with the owners reported to have lodged an £86.5m bid for the 24-year-old Valverde in the final two days of the transfer window, though their attempt to bring him to the Premier League was rejected.

There is also the interest in Jude Bellingham, which seems to be never-ending and sure to continue into 2023.

The Latest: Liverpool backed to sign Valverde

Asked by Football Insider whether Valverde would be a good fit for Liverpool, Hutton said:

“I think so.

“I think he’s an outstanding player. I’ve seen him a few times for Real Madrid and he brings a lot of attributes to that midfield. Not only that, I think he can play higher up the pitch as well.

“It is definitely an area of the pitch where Liverpool need work over the next year or so. Defensively as a unit and in midfield they are struggling so he is definitely someone that could help them now, never mind in the future.“

The Verdict: Gerrard’s heir?

The Reds haven’t made an impactful midfield signing since Thiago Alcantara two years ago, so it would be a massive coup if they could land Valverde at some point in the future.

The Uruguayan, dubbed a ‘monster’ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has already clocked up four goal contributions in seven La Liga appearances, and currently averages two shots and 1.6 key passes per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

Valverde was once even likened to Steven Gerrard, and he has all the right qualities to become a Liverpool legend just as the former captain did if he was ever to make the move to Anfield.