Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Ruben Neves this summer.

That's according to Italian publication Milan Live who suggest the Reds will aim to replace the potentially departing Naby Keita with the Wolves midfielder.

It's reported that AC Milan are willing to sign the Guinea international once the window opens, either permanently or on loan. 

Milan have been interested in the past but now it appears as though their pursuit is starting to materialise further.

Keita has been a peripheral figure at Anfield and was even left out of the squad to face Atletico Madrid a few months ago despite no injury.

As a result of Milan's interest, Neves could well arrive through the door in Merseyside. According to Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old is valued at £36m.

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

Neves is one of the most attractive midfielders outside of the Premier League's traditional top four or six teams.

He's scored six times and assisted four goals since being promoted from the Championship, all the while playing in a holding midfield role.

Adept at breaking up the play, winning 2.1 tackles per game last term, it's hardly any wonder that he's earned comparisons to a certain Xabi Alonso in the past.

A Liverpool great of days gone by, it would be quite something if Jurgen Klopp was able to unearth someone with the same qualities in his current Reds side.

Alonso was largely similar, scoring three goals in his final campaign for Bayern Munich, as well as making two tackles on average per match.

It's difficult to see Liverpool getting much better given their 22 point lead at the top of the league, but with Neves in their ranks, that is a distinct possibility.