There’s expected to be considerable turnover in Liverpool’s midfield in the summer and they continue to be linked with a number of central options, and Atalanta star Bryan Cristante is the latest.
With Emre Can set to leave the club when his contract expires in the summer, Liverpool are in the market for another midfielder and Cristante is one of a number of players being targeted.
The 23-year-old joined Atalanta on an 18-month loan from Benfica in January 2017 and has enjoyed a fine spell with the Serie A club, helping them qualify for the Europa League last season.
With 10 goals and three assists in 33 appearances so far this season, Cristante has even been rewarded with his first cap for Italy this season.
The central midfielder came through the ranks at AC Milan but only made five appearances for the San Siro club before being moved on to Benfica for £4.7m in September 2014. Cristante has also had loan spells back in Italy with Palermo and Pescara prior to joining Atalanta.
Valued at £27m, Cristante is under contract with Benfica until the end of next season and the Liga NOS side are ready to cash-in on the playmaker, with Liverpool among those keen. Arsenal, West Ham and Watford have all also been linked.
