Liverpool are interested in bringing Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul to Anfield, according to reports.

Rodrigo De Paul to Anfield?

The 26-year-old is a highly respected captain over in Serie A and Italy, having been described as a player who "can play under any conditions" by Argentina legend Juan Pablo Sorin, via Mundo Albiceleste.

Corriere Dello Sport (print edition, page 25, 15/01/2021) revealed that Jurgen Klopp is ready to take on Leeds United in competition for his signature, coming after other reports (via TeamTalk) claimed that the Reds see him as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum.

The future of Wijnaldum remains unsolved. With six months left on his current deal, he has the right to negotiate a pre-contractual agreement with another club.

During the current campaign, De Paul has scored three goals and provided two assists from 16 Serie A appearances, and is valued at £31.5m (TransferMarkt), with Udinese just four points outside of the relegation zone before the weekend's action.

Transfer Tavern Verdict

It appears that Liverpool are putting measures in place in case Wijnaldum decides to leave at the end of the season, which is a sensible decision from Klopp.

At the same time, it is an even better call to bring another leader into the dressing room. Because of this, he could be quick to adapt to his new teammates and the German tactician's playing style.

Realistically, De Paul is just a backup plan. If Wijnaldum stays, we imagine that Liverpool will withdraw from the pursuit.

In other news, Jurgen Klopp confirmed £120k-p/w star will miss Manchester United table-topping clash.