Jurgen Klopp has researched Liverpool target Yves Bissouma ahead of a potential transfer to Anfield this summer, according to The Sunday Times.
What's the latest news involving Yves Bissouma?
According to reports, Bissouma has asked to be allowed to leave the south coast club and is on the radar of the top clubs in the Premier League including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Klopp has taken an interest in the dynamic box-to-box midfielder and should the Merseyside outfit be interested in paying the £30m valuation of the player, he could provide additional depth to Liverpool's midfield.
The absence of European football at fellow admirers Arsenal could reportedly damage the club's appeal and Bissouma would prefer a move to a Champions League side which could also prove problematic for the Reds, depending on the final league standings.
Has Jurgen Klopp taken a personal interest in Bissouma?
Indeed, based on reports from the Sunday Times, Liverpool have inquired about the availability of the Mali midfielder and Klopp has taken a particular interest into his personality.
The Liverpool boss has spent time understanding Bissouma's behaviour both on and off the pitch to assess if the player would be a good fit among his current crop of stars.
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What are Bissouma's stats this season?
Despite just one goal contribution this season, Klopp will be interested in the other aspects of his game that make him a well-rounded, all-action central midfielder at Brighton.
The 24-year-old excels on the defensive side of the game and boasts 2.8 tackles per match, which would be the highest figure in the Liverpool squad this season, as well as 1.7 interceptions, according to WhoScored.
This season Liverpool have relied on a more possession-based style which Bissouma would be well accustomed to having recorded an 87.1 pass success rate in the middle of the park for the Seagulls.
Will Liverpool replace Gini Wijnaldum this summer?
Gini Wijnaldum is set to be available on a free this summer upon the expiry of his contract, having spent five years at the club in which he cemented himself as an Anfield cult hero after his semi-final heroics in Liverpool's Champions League success in the 2018/19 season.
According to the Times, Wijnaldum has agreed pre-contract terms with Barcelona where he would re-join former Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman who is in charge at the Camp Nou.
Klopp has been searching for a midfield replacement for the Dutchman, according to the Sunday Times, and alongside Bissouma the Reds have also been linked with the likes of Rodrigo De Paul, who could provide an alternative option if Liverpool find themselves priced out of a move for the Brighton man.