"I saw..." - Liverpool target breaks silence over transfer speculation

One of Liverpool's key transfer targets has acknowledged that it was "nice" to be linked with a move to Anfield.

The Reds have been linked with a number of midfielders this January, with England World Cup star Jude Bellingham thought to be their main priority.

Jurgen Klopp's midfield has often been the sticking point when considering Liverpool's inconsistency this season, with Fabinho failing to reach the heights of last season, and a plague of injuries hindering the squad.

And with Bellingham seemingly unavailable until the summer, Klopp has had to look elsewhere for midfield options.

Atalanta and Netherlands star Teun Koopmeiners is rumoured to be high up on his list, with Klopp thought to be a huge admirer of the 24-year-old.

Koopmeiners: Liverpool links are 'nice'

The Netherlands international, and teammate of Liverpool duo Virgil Van Djik and Cody Gakpo, appeared to be flattered by the club's interest.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano quoted the player in a Tweet which read: "I saw the links and stories about Liverpool — nice to see that but I’m 100% focused on Atalanta, I’m so happy to play here."

However, Romano confirmed that "Atalanta have received no approach or bid from Liverpool for Koopmeiners as of now."

The same day, Koopmeiners scored a fantastic goal to beat Bologna 2-1, turning more heads in Merseyside. He has made 60 appearances for the Serie A side, and scored nine goals since making the switch from AZ in the summer of 2021.

Koopmeiners also impressed at the World Cup, and played a big part in his side's astonishing comeback against the eventual champions Argentina in the quarter-finals, disguising a pass from the set-piece to Wout Weghorst who levelled the scores.

The midfielder is thought to be valued at around £35million, according to Tutto Atalanta. Although, Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini appears resistant to letting him go, stating: "Koopmeiners won't move in January,” Tutto Atalanta report.