A Turkish football journalist has claimed that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp personally called Napoli midfield star Eljif Elmas over a potential move to Anfield.
The reports may come as a surprise to Reds fans, with the club having been heavily linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Benfica's Enzo Fernandez in recent weeks.
In fact, Klopp was asked about Bellingham prior to Liverpool's Boxing Day clash with Aston Villa.
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He replied: "He had an absolutely exceptional World Cup and is good in so many things. The things he can do already are difficult to learn and the things he has to improve are easy to learn."
The German, therefore, is a clear admirer of the 19-year-old's talents, amid claims from Spanish outlet Defensa Central that the Reds have already placed a £130 million bid for his services.
But Liverpool appear to still be looking at alternative options - and that search may well have led them to Elmas.
Liverpool keen on Eljif Elmas?
According to journalist Ahmet Ercanlar, who covers Turkish football, Klopp has contacted the 23-year-old Napoli midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
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He claims: "Jurgen Klopp called Eljif Elmas and said he wanted to see him in Liverpool. If this transfer happens, Fenerbahce will also get a share."
The North Macedonia international left his home country to join Fenerbahce in 2017, and went on to make 47 appearances before moving to Napoli in 2019.
During that year, he also helped his country to qualify for Euro 2020 - their first major tournament - and was named the Macedonian Footballer of the Year.
He has since become an important player for Napoli, scoring a career-high seven goals in all competitions last term.
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This season, he has been an ever-present in the matchday squad for a side that remains undefeated in Serie A, making five starts across the campaign.
He scored and provided an assist in Napoli's 3-2 win over Udinese last month, and despite not starting every game, he has received great praise from Partenopei boss Luciano Spalletti.
He said (quotes via Tuttomercatoweb): "He is exceptional and can star in any position. In addition, he has great work ethic and constantly strives to improve.
"He can decide a game even if he features for just 10 minutes."
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It is that sort of impact that Liverpool will be hoping Elmas can achieve should he make the move to Anfield in the near future.
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Topics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Napoli, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Smart