LIVERPOOL have identified former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino as an alternative transfer to Jude Bellingham, reports say.
The 25-year-old Real Sociedad ace is enjoying his football in Spain.
Sociedad currently sit second in LaLiga on 25 points, two behind table toppers Real Madrid.
The Reds are planning for the future, with key midfield names such as Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner all in their 30s.
And according to Fichajes.net, Liverpool are interested in Merino because of his ‘versatility and dominant physique’.
The Spaniard also covers a lot of ground, something Klopp likes his players to be able to do.
Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham was another name on the list, but the youngster could prove impossible to sign due to his price.
Bellingham is also attracting attention from a number of big Premier League clubs.
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Manchester United also hold an interest in the 18-year-old.
It is believed, however, that Dortmund will try and buy Bellingham’s younger brother Jobe in an effort to keep the England international in Germany.
Jobe nearly broke his brother’s Birmingham City record of becoming their youngest player earlier this season.
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