Liverpool hold 'direct' talks with Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch over summer move

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Liverpool have held 'direct' talks with the representatives of a key summer transfer target.

Jurgen Klopp's side are expected to make a number of signings once the window opens after a disappointing campaign that will end without silverware.

The Reds are most in need of midfield reinforcements and have been linked with a number of players, most notably Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.

Liverpool were at one point favourites to sign Bellingham but have now pulled out of the race for the England international.

They have since turned their attention to other targets, including Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

The 20-year-old joined Bayern from Ajax last summer but has had a frustrating debut season in German football.

He has started just one game in the Bundesliga and recently sent a warning to Bayern over his playing time.

Romano: Liverpool especially interested in Gravenberch

Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with a summer move for the Netherlands international but Bayern are reluctant to sell.

"There is a lot of interest in Ryan Gravenberch - he is not playing for Bayern and he has confirmed he is not satisfied at all, he wants more minutes, and he says that next season it has to change," Romano told Caught Offside.

"There will be a meeting soon between Bayern and Gravenberch, but from the club's perspective, they want to keep him, and have no intention to negotiate for him to leave.

"There has been interest from the Premier League since January - Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal were all informed on his situation but it was not possible to proceed because of Bayern’s stance.

"Liverpool especially remain interested and had a direct conversation with his agent a few days ago, so they are waiting to see if the situation could change."

Romano added: "Bayern Munich want to keep the player, but they will discuss his future soon, and we saw last summer with Robert Lewandowski that, even if a club doesn't want to sell, if a player wants to move a deal can happen."

According to The Mirror, Gravenberch has already informed Liverpool he would be open to moving to Anfield.

But it remains to be seen if Bayern will consider selling the player, who only joined them in a £16m deal last summer.