Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for RB Leipzig's Konrad Laimer as they look to solve their issues in midfield.
Jurgen Klopp's side have had a poor start to the season and part of that can be blamed on their dysfunctional midfield, with players either out of form or injury prone.
Sky Germany have reported that the Reds are planning 'significant investment' next summer but are not prepared to wait until then for a new midfielder, with Laimer on their January transfer window shortlist.
The 25-year-old's contract expires in 2023 and it's said that he is interested in a move to the Premier League.
One concern for Liverpool fans is that Laimer has been out of action since September after suffering an ankle ligament injury.
Laimer, who has made 167 appearances and scored 11 goals for RB Leipzig, is hopeful though that he will be back to action in January.
The Austrian international has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Bayern Munich since the start of the season.
One advantage that Liverpool could have over their rivals is that Laimer is a fan of the Reds.
In quotes carried by the Liverpool Echo, he said: 'I'm generally a football fan. I generally like watching the Premier League. I've always been a Liverpool fan.
The midfielder also seemed keen on staying in Germany, though, as he explained: 'I don't think a club like [Bayern Munich] comes knocking every summer, it's one of the best in the world.
'When you're associated with clubs like this, there's a certain pride. But I'm more the guy who talks to people and needs a feeling that everything fits together.'
Klopp will be keen to improve his side, with their 2-1 defeat to Leeds leaving them eight points off the Champions League places.
Liverpool will be eager to add younger options who can challenge for the first team squad, with Henderson, Thiago and James Milner in their 30s, and Fabinho recently turning 29.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have regularly struggled with injuries, while the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Fabio Carvalho have all been getting game time but are considered more as players for the future.
Liverpool are also said to be considering 'significant investment' in next summer's transfer window.
It comes after Liverpool fans turned on their owners, Fenway Sports Group, for a lack of investment after their shock defeat to Leeds - their first in front of fans at Anfield in the Premier League since 2017.
One fan posted: 'Years of underinvestment. Years of negligence from top to bottom. This is what happens. It’s time to go. #FSGOUT #KLOPPOUT.'
Another fan said: 'F**k it. Enough is enough. That dross that Klopp has to choose from now is directly down to the criminal lack of investment in the squad. Sell to buy. Fuck off. #FSGOUT.'
Liverpool left it until the last day of the summer transfer window to sign a midfielder - Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus.
However, the Brazilian has been plagued with injuries and that has carried on since he moved to Anfield.