Liverpool Transfer News: Claudio Marchisio Bid Eyed, Latest Ruben Neves Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly preparing a bid for Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio.

According to the Mirror's Liam Corless the news comes from Fichajes, which report that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will offer £23.5 million for the Italian's services.

The Reds are yet to adequately replace the talismanic Steven Gerrard in midfield and the 29-year-old represents an outstanding candidate to step into his considerable boots.

The Italy international has played for the Bianconeri for his entire career save for a season spent on loan at Empoli and has stood out as an exceptional player despite having the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba around him for much of that time.

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Marchisio is an outstanding all-rounder who is both creative and a hard worker.

He registered 10 assists in all competitions last season as well as netting three goals of his own, and according to Squawka he created 49 chances in Serie A and completed 76 per cent of his attempted take-ons. Squawka Football also highlighted his impressive distribution:

Playing alongside the ageing legs of Pirlo, Marchisio was also required—like Vidal—to take on the veteran's workload and so made a strong defensive contribution, with Squawka reporting that he made 70 tackles and 70 interceptions.

Marchisio has missed much of this season through injury. As Serie A expert James Horncastle noted, it's unsurprising Juve have struggled in his absence:

However, according to the club's official website the midfielder signed a new five-year deal in the summer, and he said: "I’ve always wanted to wear this shirt and I’m lucky enough to be able to do so for another five years. I really can’t wait to get going again and keep winning with this great team."

The Old Lady lost Pirlo and Vidal in the summer. Further, Paul Pogba's days in Turin could well be numbered as he seems destined to move to an even bigger club, so Juve will not be willing to let one of their other stars depart.

A far more realistic target is Porto's Ruben Neves.

According to Metro's Will Giles, Fichajes is reporting Liverpool "believe they have won the race" to sign him ahead of Chelsea, and "are believed [to] have already made contact with the player."

The coveted 18-year-old is an impressive midfielder and despite his tender age is already featuring fairly regularly for the Dragons' first team.

Here's a look at some of the youngster's attributes:

Neves is a raw but technically gifted player, one who Klopp could shape and refine into a long-term replacement for Gerrard.

The German's reputation for helping the likes of Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski as youngsters will no doubt appeal to Neves ahead of Chelsea, where he would most likely just be loaned out for the foreseeable future. Therefore a move to Anfield seems a likely and logical step if the Reds commit to his capture.