Liverpool are set to launch a bid for AC Milan star Ismael Bennacer in the coming days, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Liverpool Echo)

The Lowdown: Thiago’s injury

The Reds suffered a tough start to the Premier League season on Saturday as they drew 2-2 to newly-promoted Fulham, twice having to come from behind.

To make matters worse, Thiago Alcantara limped off the pitch just six minutes into the second half after what appeared to be an innocuous incident.

This adds to Liverpool’s extensive injury list, which includes the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Kostas Tsimikas and Ibrahima Konate.

The Latest: Interest in Bennacer

According to a report by Calciomercato (via Liverpool Echo), the Reds will launch a €40m (£33.75m) bid for Bennacer in the coming days after Thiago suffered his hamstring injury against Fulham.

It is reported that the 24-year-old Algeria international has a £42.2m release clause in his Milan contract.

This contradicts the widespread news which claims that Jurgen Klopp is holding out until the summer of 2023 to bolster his options in midfield.

The Verdict: Ideal target

Bennacer’s underlying statistics illustrate why Klopp could be interested in bringing the player to Anfield this summer.

As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, the 24-year-old ranks in the 99th percentile for dribbles completed, the 94th percentile for interceptions and the 93rd percentile for tackles.

Former Milan star Giuseppe Bergomi has been full of praise for the midfielder in the past, having proclaimed: “Bennacer dominates in the middle on the pitch due to his personality and technical qualities. He finds his team-mates in perfect positions.”

Therefore, with Klopp’s team short of options in midfield, Bennacer - who has been dubbed an ‘absolutely unbelievable’ player by journalist Sam Tighe - could be the man to solve Liverpool’s issues in the middle of the park if he can be lured to Anfield.