Liverpool are reportedly set to renew their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Reds were linked with the France international last summer, but they were beaten to his signature by Real Madrid.
Since completing a transfer to Los Blancos from Monaco, Tchouameni has made 34 competitive appearances, chipping in with three assists.
Tchouameni was a regular starter in the first half of the season, but since the World Cup break, he has started just five of Real Madrid's 13 La Liga games.
According to El Nacional, Tchouameni is still yet to live up to Real Madrid's expectations, and as a result, they are considering whether to sanction a sale in the summer.
© Reuters
A potential Real Madrid departure will alert Liverpool, who are set to rekindle their interest in the France international.
Liverpool are expected to bolster their midfield in the summer with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain expected to leave the club when their respective contracts expire in June.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is their top transfer target, but they will face competition from a number of clubs for the England international, including Real Madrid.
Tchouameni could provide an alternative option should they fail to sign Bellingham, and they are supposedly willing to make an offer for the 23-year-old.
© Reuters
The Reds are prepared to submit an €80m bid for the midfielder, who is under contract with the reigning European champions until June 2028.
Liverpool could still find it difficult to prise Tchouameni away from the Spanish capital, with the player himself said to be happy at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The prospect of no Champions League football at Anfield next season may also prove to be a stumbling block in a potential transfer.
The Merseyside club are sitting in ninth place in the league table, with 10 points separating them from the top four.
Jurgen Klopp's side are preparing for Sunday's Premier League home meeting against title-chasing Arsenal.