Report: Liverpool set sights on ‘fantastic’ £20m midfielder inspired by De Bruyne and Iniesta

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Liverpool have decided to start looking for a new midfielder ahead of the transfer window closing next week.

Jurgen Klopp has admitted to the Anfield media team that the Reds are looking to strengthen in that position.

In pre-season, Klopp suggested that Liverpool did not need to reinforce in midfield this summer.

However, the Reds boss now finds himself without four midfield stars, who have been sidelined through injury.

Naby Keita, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are currently unavailable.

Liverpool have begun the Premier League season poorly, losing one and drawing two of their three games so far.

And so, the Reds have made a U-turn as they look to get their campaign back on track.

In terms of potential midfield targets, ESPN has reported that Liverpool are currently eyeing Celtic’s Matt O’Riley.

The 21-year-old has apparently ‘caught the eye’ of teams across Europe, including the Reds.

It’s claimed that Celtic have ‘no interest’ in letting O’Riley go.

However, a bid of £15-£20m could reportedly be ‘tempting’ for the Scottish champions.

As well as Liverpool, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are apparently eyeing the Denmark Under-21 international.

Matt O’Riley factfile

O’Riley only joined Celtic back in January, but he has impressed for the Glasgow giants.

The Hoops bought the “fantastic” midfielder from MK Dons for a reported £1.5million.

Last term, he registered three goals and two assists in 12 Premiership outings en route to the title.

In terms of his style of play, O’Riley told The Athletic last year: “I like trying to be my own player but also, I’ve got players I like and who I watch.

“In terms of those playing higher up, you have people like Kevin De Bruyne, whereas in a deeper role, you look at Xavi, (Andres) Iniesta.

“If I can just add bits of all their games to mine, that will always help, of course, but I’m someone that kind of wants to be my own player.”

Earlier this year, the Daily Record quoted him as saying: “I can do all of them (roles) but I most enjoy the No.8 role because it involves a bit of everything.

“Listen, if I am needed in the No.6 role a bit deeper, then I have the tools to do that as well.

“And that’s always handy to have because it gives me more options and gives the manager more options as well.

“It’s a strength but if I’m going to the one I enjoy most then it’s probably being an eight, box-to-box type of player.

“I like to get around the pitch and I’m happy to help out in both boxes.”