Liverpool are reportedly ready to switch their attention to trying to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
While it has long been known that the Merseyside giants require fresh faces for the engine room this summer, Jurgen Klopp is currently light in that department.
Although five players for that position have been allowed to depart Anfield, only Alexis Mac Allister has been acquired to replenish those roles.
Dominik Szoboszlai can also be used in Klopp's midfield three, yet it was clear during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea that Liverpool were desperately in need of defensive-minded options.
Offers have been accepted for each of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but the latter is expected to follow the Ecuador international in moving to Chelsea.
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As a result, Klopp and the club's recruitment team are under pressure to find alternative options with the threat of their midfield again being exposed in their upcoming matches.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool continue to hold an interest in signing Palhinha from Fulham.
The Portugal international was not short of admirers earlier in the summer after quickly establishing himself as an influential member of Marco Silva's squad at Craven Cottage.
However, a shoulder injury sustained during the Premier League Summer Series has seemingly led to any offers being put on the backburner by clubs contemplating a move.
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Now, Liverpool are now allegedly ready to act, yet they are said to be against meeting the £60m valuation that has been placed on the former Sporting Lisbon player.
Klopp is also said to be keen on Crystal Palace player Cheick Doucoure who, like Palhinha, impressed during his first season of Premier League football at Selhurst Park.
Doucoure, who is five years younger than Palhinha, may reportedly cost as much as £70m, a figure that Palace may refuse to lower on the basis that Liverpool have been prepared to spend £110m and £60m on Caicedo and Lavia respectively.
Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Aston Villa represent Liverpool's next three fixtures in the Premier League, Klopp wanting to strengthening ahead of those contests.
Darren Plant
