Liverpool could sign 'the new Busquets' for just £16m this summer in major transfer coup

Liverpool are interested in signing Boca Juniors midfielder Alan Varela, according to reports.

Jurgen Klopp is in dire need of rejuvenating his midfield, with several players running out of contract in the summer.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo are all expected to depart at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the Reds' boss had to rely on teenage duo Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic in the centre of the park, following a plague of injuries to his squad.

But in a bid to add depth to his midfield, Klopp is eyeing up a move for Varela, claim Football Insider.

Liverpool interested in Varela

However, Liverpool are likely to face competition, with Newcastle and Barcelona also keen on the 21-year-old.

The report states Liverpool and Newcastle have sent scouts to monitor his progress in Argentina, with a view to making an official bid in the summer.

Varela, dubbed 'the next Sergio Busquets' by Spanish news outlet Sport, was the subject of interest from many European clubs in January, including Bournemouth.

Although the Beunos Aires based club were able to fend off interest for their prized asset, whose contract expires in 2026.

Varela is likely to cost in between £16-20 million, making him a far cheaper alternative to Liverpool's priority transfer target Jude Bellingham.

Who else could Liverpool sign?

Bellingham has been top of Liverpool's shopping list for some time, but Borussia Dortmund are expected to demand in excess of £100million for his services. Whilst European heavyweights Real Madrid are also keen on signing the 19-year-old.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have been linked with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, who is understood to be unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

Mount's father has allegedly acquired a new agent in order to sound out interest for the 24-year-old as he weighs up his options.

The England international is expected to be worth around £70million this summer, as he heads into the final year of his contract in west London.