Liverpool face serious competition from AC Milan in pursuing a move for Schalke central defender Ozan Kabab.
The Reds reportedly opened talks with Kabab last week and news of that appears to have forced Milan to act.
Both clubs want to complete a move for the 20-year-old in time for the transfer window reopening on January 1.
Liverpool are keen to bolster their defence with Virgil van Dijk unavailable for a substantial period with a serious ACL injury.
Jurgen Klopp was dealt a further blow on Tuesday night when stand-in centre back Fabinho was forced off with an injury in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Midtjylland.
Klopp said: '[It was] exactly the last thing we needed. I don't know… I know he felt a hamstring and that's not good.
'[He] didn't feel it that much, [he] said he could have played on but no sprints anymore which doesn't help in that position obviously.
'We will see, a scan and we'll know more but of course - it's not good.'
Reports in Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday suggested that Milan, who are top of Serie A, want to strengthen their defence to give them the best chance of success this season.
The report adds that Kabab is their No 1 target for the January window.
Homdemrty
45
buying central defender from schalke 🙄 club that always receiving countless of goals from big and small clubs