Liverpool have secret weapon to sign Ryan Gravenberch which has already worked once

Liverpool could have a key secret weapon to aid their attempts to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the 20-year-old as they look to make improvements to their engine room this summer.

With Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both likely to leave, and the future of James Milner still unclear, Liverpool need to make several additions in the upcoming window.

Football Insider claimed last week that Jurgen Klopp's side were preparing a bid for Gravenberch, despite Bayern issuing a hands-off warning for a player they signed from Ajax for an initial fee of £16 million last summer.

Although he has struggled for game time this season, the Dutch international has significant potential and could become a key part of the Bayern side in the upcoming years.

But Pearce, writing for The Athletic, claims that Liverpool have 'held positive talks' with Gravenberch's representatives over a move to Anfield - and explained what could hold the key to his signing.

Liverpool have 'secret weapon' in Gravenberch chase

Pearce has claimed that Reds star Virgil van Dijk could play a key role in convincing Gravenberch to sign for Liverpool - much like he did with Cody Gakpo in January.

All three share the same nationality, and regularly play alongside each other for the Dutch national team.

When asked about his involvement with the Gakpo deal, Van Dijk gave little away - but the young forward confirmed in his first Liverpool interview that the defender had convinced him that it was the correct move.

It took Gakpo time to find his feet at Anfield, but he has produced some key performances in the last two months.

He netted a brace in the 7-0 win over Manchester United in March, before another two goals in the 6-1 victory against Leeds earlier this month.

Now an important part of Liverpool's attack, Klopp and his staff will no doubt hope that the circumstances involved with Gakpo's signing - primarily, the presence of Van Dijk - can be utilised again if they do make a move to sign Gravenberch this summer.