Liverpool eyeing 'exceptional' midfielder likened to Andres Iniesta

Liverpool have been linked with Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka in recent days.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are among his suitors ahead of the January transfer window.

The Italian outlet referenced Liverpool as they discussed Lobotka’s future at the Serie A club.

Apparently, ‘there has been an interest in him from Liverpool’, along with Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, Tuttomercatoweb suggested that the Reds – and other suitors – will probably fail to land Lobotka.

The Slovakia international’s ‘choice’ is to continue at Napoli for a long time.

Amid interest from Liverpool and others, Tuttomercatoweb say Lobotka will sign a new contract until 2028.

This will include an option to extend it by a further year.

Not great news for Liverpool, but until/unless an announcement comes out, then nothing is set in stone.

Liverpool target Lobotka – factfile

Lobotka joined Napoli from Celta Vigo in 2020 and has developed into one of the division’s top defensive midfielders.

The 27-year-old has played every game of his side’s unbeaten season so far.

Lobotka has impressed in the heart of midfield alongside former Fulham ace Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

The “exceptional” 41-cap ace has also kept Spurs loanee Tanguy Ndombele out of the starting XI.

As well as Napoli and Celta Vigo, Lobotka has played for Nordsjaelland, Jong Ajax and AS Trencin.

In terms of his style of play, head coach Luciano Spalletti has compared him to Andres Iniesta.

And on Twitter, fans have likened Lobotka to Marco Verratti and Santi Cazorla.