Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni 'on five-man Liverpool shortlist to replace Jordan Henderson'

Liverpool have reportedly drawn up a five-man shortlist of midfielders who could replace Jordan Henderson at Anfield.

Henderson, 33, is on the verge of completing a move to Saudia Arabian club Al Ittifaq, calling time on a 12-year career with the Reds.

The England international will allegedly see his wages quadruple to an eye-watering £700,000-a-week in the Middle East after being headhunted by Liverpool legend and new Al Ittifaq manager, Steven Gerrard.

Meanwhile, Fabinho has been heavily rumoured with a move to the Saudi Pro League after he was left out of the Reds's pre-season tour of Germany.

Jurgen Klopp has already signed midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95 million this summer.

However, Liverpool are in dire need of further reinforcements and have reportedly identified five possible additions which includes Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni.

Liverpool draw up five-man transfer shortlist

According to The Mirror, the Reds are interested in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure, Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips, Fiorentina's Soyfan Amrabat and Real Madrid midfielder Tchouameni.

Klopp is said to greatly admire Doucoure, while the club’s ongoing interest in Gravenberch is well documented.

Phillips is also on Liverpool’s radar, but it remains unclear if Pep Guardiola would be willing to sell him to to a direct rival.

The report adds that Amrabat has been touted as a potential option, but Manchester United are thought to be frontrunners for his signature.

Finally, Liverpool allegedly remain optimistic that a deal can be struck for Tchouameni – after Real Madrid beat them to his signature last summer.

However, Los Blancos – who have recently added Jude Bellingham to their ranks – "are unlikely to countenance his exit, even if a significant offer arrives," the publication states.

Fellow France international Paul Pogba waxed lyrical about Tchouameni, labelling him "extraordinary" after a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in 2021.

"Very very good. He's not a boy, he's a man," Pogba told Ouest-France (quotes via Daily Mail)

'It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality."