Liverpool plotting player-plus-cash deal for Serie A star, he's exactly what they need

Liverpool are preparing a swap deal to sign Inter Milan star Marcelo Brozovic, with Reds midfielder Naby Keita going in the opposite direction, according to reports.

The Reds are attempting to add to their midfield in the upcoming windows, given it is an area of the pitch which has been identified as a key point of concern for Jurgen Klopp this season.

Liverpool have struggled in aerial duels this season, and have conceded a large number of direct attacks through the centre, as per The Athletic's James Pearce.

And whilst several midfielders are out of contract this summer, including Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it will be difficult for Klopp to recruit a new player in January, partially due to squad registration rules.

However, Liverpool may now have found a solution to this issue, which would easily enable a new midfield signing to be registered for the Champions League and Premier League.

Liverpool interested in Brozovic swap deal

According to Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb, Klopp is an 'admirer' of Inter midfielder Brozovic, and is keen to bring him to Anfield in January.

A tough-tackling midfielder who likes to control possession, he would be an ideal signing for Liverpool as they look to bolster their midfield.

It is claimed that the Reds will offer a fee of between €30-35 million to sign the Croatia international, and include Keita as part of a swap deal.

Keita has recently returned from an injury that had ruled him out since July's Community Shield clash against Manchester City, but has only started one of the seven games he has been available for despite Liverpool's mixed form.

However, the Reds may face competition for Brozovic, who was a key cog in the Croatia side that reached the World Cup semi-finals. The same source reports that Barcelona are keen on signing the 30-year-old, and may even include defensive midfielder Franck Kessie - a former AC Milan star - in any deal.