James Pearce has cast doubt on the possibility of Liverpool signing Atletico Madrid's Saul Niguez.

Pearce, the club's correspondent for The Athletic, admitted he 'can't see' the deal being struck without 'a change of heart' from the Reds.

Saul has apparently been offered to 'a host of clubs', but his 'massive' wage demands are proving to be prohibitive.

Do Liverpool need a new midfielder?

Liverpool have yet to sign a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who left to join Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his contract.

Wijnaldum featured in all 38 Premier League matches last season, starting 34 of them. His overall tally of 2,947 minutes was eclipsed by only three outfield players - Andrew Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah (via WhoScored).

26-year-old Spaniard Saul, meanwhile, helped Atletico beat Real Madrid and Barcelona to the title last season.

The £36million-valued midfielder has also won two Europa Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup and one Spanish cup during his time in the capital (via Transfermarkt).

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed Pearce's verdict, and here's how supporters reacted.

Liverpool fans remain optimistic on Saul

"This is Thiago vibes all again, Idk why no one sees it"

Credit: @Dominion1017

"So you're telling me there's a chance"

Credit: @Gambino_LFC

"Feels like the Thiago deal all over again"

Credit: @DAMO101W

"Thiago 2.0 I stg"

Credit: @LFCRoninnn

"Means it's on, Thiago deal was identical"

Credit: @LFCRyannnn

"Same situation with Thiago then"

Credit: @Footymadfan22

In other news, fans fumed at the latest update on a reported attacking target.