Liverpool Transfer News: Franck Kessie Interest Amid Juventus Talk, Top Rumours

Liverpool will have to compete with Juventus if they're to land Atalanta's Franck Kessie, and the Serie A champions are reported to be leading the chase for the starlet. Elsewhere, Southampton star Virgil van Dijk could move to Anfield in a swap deal involving Daniel Sturridge.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t the Liverpool Echo's Joe Rimmer), Liverpool have "scouted Kessie extensively"—they've reportedly watched him twice—but interest is thought to be widespread.

Not including Juve, Rimmer named seven other major European powers understood to be considering the midfielder, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Napoli, Sevilla, AS Roma, AS Monaco and Chelsea all mentioned.

The Reds have been touted as one of the clubs in the running to land Kessie, who is building his name as one of the Italian top flight's biggest prospects.

Gianluca Di Marzio reporter David Amoyal recently hailed his powers:

Following the rise in interest in his starlet, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini told Italian broadcaster Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) how much it might cost to sign Kessie: "Is Kessie worth €40 million? Do not tell [owner Antonio] Percassi. We all hope that our youngsters reach important prices, but for this year we are enjoying them playing all together. We do not pay attention to chatter surrounding the transfer market."

The 19-year-old has also earned comparisons to Premier League star and Ivorian compatriot Yaya Toure, and Kessie recently commented on the similarities in style when speaking to Italian daily La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Football Italia):

"

I model myself on Michael Essien and Yaya Toure. It’s a real honour to be compared with Toure and I played alongside him for the international team. The first time I found him by my side was really emotional. In terms of speed of execution and ability to score, Yaya is the Number One.

My dream is to one day reach a big club and win the African Player of the Year Award. Are big clubs after me now? I am not interested in this, as my agent and the club take care of everything.

I came to Italy at the age of 18. I am happy in Bergamo, Atalanta is like my family and the food here is fantastic. I can’t resist pasta. 

"

Juventus have formed a habit of snapping up Serie A's biggest talents in recent years and may aim to do so once more with Kessie in 2017 as the Bianconeri attempt to seal their sixth successive Scudetto.

Amoyal named the teenager at the head of a list of Italy's most exciting young midfielders, and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp may be fighting a losing battle against Serie A's dominant powerhouse:

Meanwhile, it's been reported a swap deal between Liverpool and Southampton could come to fruition as the Reds covet Saints defender Van Dijk, while the south-coast side eye a move for Anfield striker Sturridge.

The Daily Star (h/t James Dickenson of the Daily Express) said Sam McQueen is also interesting Klopp, while Dickenson reported Sturridge could be sent to the St. Mary's Stadium as part of a deal to bring McQueen and Van Dijk to Anfield.

TalkSport's Adrian Durham praised the Netherlands international during Saturday's 0-0 draw between the two teams:

The Merseysiders had their chance to get a firsthand look at Van Dijk in that meeting, although they could still struggle to convince the Saints to part ways considering the centre-back signed a new six-year deal in May.

Van Dijk's contract won't expire until 2022, although Dickenson reported both he and McQueen are valued at £40 million. With Sturridge yet to score this season, Liverpool could be willing to cut a swap deal.