Liverpool 'leading the race' to sign £35m midfielder as January transfer chances outlined

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign World Cup star Soyfan Amrabat, with Fiorentina having outlined their demands.

The Reds are admirers of the 26-year-old midfielder, have been impressed by his excellent performances for Morocco at the Qatar World Cup.

Amrabat helped his country reach the semi-finals, where they fell short against eventual runners-up France.

Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with the player. But according to Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, Liverpool are now in the driving seat for Amrabat's signature.

However, the report states that a deal will not be possible until the summer.

Fiorentina outline transfer demands

Fiorentina’s chief executive Joe Barone has publicly stated that Amrabat will not be leaving the Serie A club this month, with the midfielder wanting to see out the rest of the season in Italy.

Despite this, it hasn’t stopped rumours linking the likes of Liverpool with a move this winter.

The report sates that Fiorentina’s asking price of £35m will put plenty of clubs off from making an offer this January. But it's believed that the Reds are in the “front row” and still have hopes of signing Amrabat in the summer.

The news may come as surprise to Liverpool fans after it was claimed that Atletico Madrid was Amrabat's favoured destination. French news outlet Foot Mercato stated that he would prefer a move to Spain and sees the club as a better fit.

Who could Liverpool sign instead?

The Reds have been linked with an array of central midfielders this January, including Benfica's Enzo Fernandez, Wolves' Ruben Neves and Brighton's Moises Caicedo.

However, the Reds could face difficulties in signing any of those players before the window slams shut.

Liverpool would likely need to activate Fernandez's £105m release clause at Benfica, whilst big-spending Chelsea remain interested in the Argentina international.

Meanwhile, Brighton have set a whopping £100m price tag on Caicedo and are unwilling to sell him this month, according to The Times.

Neves is also thought to be out of the Reds' budget, having spent 'all their money on Cody Gakpo.'