Liverpool have reportedly submitted an opening bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, who has been linked with a move away from the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
Following the departure of Georginio Wijnaldum as a free agent, Jurgen Klopp is said to be looking for a midfield reinforcement to join the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho at Anfield.
The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Saul, although they were said to have faced stiff competition from Spanish giants Barcelona, who reportedly offered a swap deal that would have seen French forward Antoine Griezmann return to Atletico Madrid.
With such a deal between the Spanish clubs reportedly off the cards, Liverpool are said to be at the front of the queue for his signature, and according to Diario Sport, the Reds have submitted an official opening £32.4m offer to Los Colchoneros.
Such a move would see Jurgen Klopp add a La Liga champion to his side, after Niguez played a key role in the Madrid side's league win last season, having featured in 33 of their 38 games in the Spanish top flight.
Having already added to his defensive ranks this summer with the signing of RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate, Klopp has set his focus on the midfield, with the 26-year-old reportedly his top priority.
Sam Varley
