Liverpool are interested in signing Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Noah Okafor in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg.
The Lowdown: Okafor having a great season
The 22-year-old has matured into a key player for his current club, providing a combination of technical quality and energy in the middle of the park.
Okafor has scored three goals in six Champions League appearances for Salzburg this term, along with netting seven times in the Austrian Bundesliga.
The midfielder is part of Switzerland's squad for the 2022 World Cup and the tournament could be a great chance for him to wow potential suitors in the shop window.
The Latest: Liverpool keen on Okafor
Taking to Twitter on Monday night, Plettenberg claimed that Liverpool are one of the clubs eyeing up a potential January move for Okafor, which could cost in the region of €35m-€40m (£30.8m-£35.2m).
The reporter tweeted:
"X News #Okafor: Transfer in winter is possible! No negotiations now but there’s is an interest from clubs like #MCFC, #LFC & AC Milan. Been told that United is not in. World Cup very important now. Price tag could be around €35-40m. Top season with Salzburg so far."
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The Verdict: Great midfield option
Liverpool desperately need to sign a new midfielder in January, with that area of the pitch looking sluggish throughout this season, mainly due to ageing figures and a spate of injuries.
Okafor could be a perfect addition in that respect, bringing young legs, guile and proven end product which could be priceless between now and the end of the season.
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He could also boost the Reds' goal return from midfield - only five goals have come from this sector of the pitch among Jurgen Klopp's squad in all competitions so far in 2022/23.
Luis Diaz's arrival back in January added a much-needed spark to Liverpool's attack and Okafor could do similar to the midfield, having been hailed as 'incredibly prolific' by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and his aforementioned scoring figures back that up.