Fenerbahce are reportedly eyeing an audacious transfer swoop for Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Eyebrows were raised when the former Bayern Munich man arrived at Anfield in 2020 due to fears over how he would adapt to the Reds' intense style of play, but he has proven to be an invaluable member of their squad.
Thiago has three goals and six assists to boast from 93 games in a Liverpool jersey, although his time with the Merseyside giants has also been blighted by injuries - missing a further 50 matches in all tournaments.
Hamstring and hip problems have restricted the 31-year-old to 14 Premier League starts in the current campaign, and he has struggled to show his best form during Liverpool's troubled season.
With his contract also due to expire at the end of next season, Thiago's long-term future is the subject of much debate, especially with Liverpool expected to significantly refresh their midfield in the summer.
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Liverpool could consider a cut-price sale this summer rather than risk letting Thiago leave on a free in 2024, and according to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Fenerbahce have now registered an interest.
The Turkish giants are supposedly optimistic of striking a deal for Thiago around the €8m (£7.1m) mark, although it is unclear if Liverpool would accept such a fee.
Should Liverpool sanction a summer exit for Thiago, the former Barcelona man could be one of five midfielders to say their goodbyes to the Reds at the end of the campaign.
Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all due to become free agents at the end of the season, while Arthur's loan from Juventus is not expected to be made permanent.
A marked downturn in fortunes for Fabinho has seen his future called into question too, and Jurgen Klopp is reportedly keen to bring two new faces into the engine room for the 2023-24 season.
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Borussia Dortmund and England starlet Jude Bellingham remains at the top of Liverpool's wishlist, and failure to qualify for the Champions League would supposedly have no impact on their chances of signing the 19-year-old.
However, Dortmund are said to be after at least £130m to part ways with Bellingham, and the Bundesliga giants have not given up hope of tying him down to a new deal with a release clause.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch have also been tipped to become marquee midfield signings for Liverpool, while Brighton & Hove Albion's Alexis Mac Allister is admired by the Reds' hierarchy too.
Klopp's team returned to winning ways with a 2-0 success over Wolverhampton Wanderers in Wednesday's Premier League clash, clambering into the top six of the Premier League table courtesy of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah's second-half efforts.
Next up for the Reds is a reunion with old foes Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
