Liverpool Transfer News: Marc Roca Interest Reported, Latest Reds Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Espanyol youngster Marc Roca, who could be available for as little as €1.5 million (£1.3 million). 

According to Didac Piferrer of Marca (via Sport Witness), the Primera Division club is in talks to sign the 19-year-old midfielder to a new deal, but if Espanyol fail to tie him to new terms, "Liverpool will be ready and very able to pounce and take Roca to England."

The report added that the Periquitos want to significantly increase Roca's buyout clause and give him a pay rise, as his contract can be bought out for just £1.3 million.

If he is a target, the Reds will be hoping they can move in and snap him up for what is a relative pittance given recent transfer activity.

Roca has shown excellent potential in his fledgling career, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would likely relish the opportunity to work with him—the German has an excellent record of advancing young players. 

A product of the Espanyol youth system, the Spanish central midfielder has broken into the first team in 2016-17, starting six of the Periquitos' eight games in La Liga so far this season, providing one assist, per WhoScored.com.

Though still raw, Roca has a number of key attributes that make him an exciting prospect. His distribution is excellent, while he is also comfortable on the ball and not afraid to run at opposition defences.

Per Spanish football writer Aldo Sainati, he is also able in a defensive capacity:

Liverpool have started the 2016-17 season in fine fashion, and they sit fourth in the Premier League after eight matches.

However, Klopp's squad is still far from complete, as he has only had last winter and the recent summer transfer window to add to it and shape it as he wants.

The central-midfield department is still lacking cover, as was proved in the absence of Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum from the starting XI during Monday's 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United, per Liverpool writer Joseph Musker:

Roca could be a necessary and exciting addition to the Reds squad, and if they could snap him up for a little over £1 million, there would be little risk to the transfer.