Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp looks to have a busy summer on his hands as the German looks to create a squad capable of challenging for major honours once again.
Despite a strong end to the season which saw the Reds go unbeaten in 10 matches to finish third, there is a need for repair to the ranks after Gini Wijnaldum confirmed he will be leaving Anfield this summer.
With the central defensive reinforcements seemingly on the way in the shape of Ibrahima Konate, Klopp can now turn attention to the midfield and attacking departments.
One name perenially linked with a switch to Anfield in recent months is that of Lyon captain Houssem Aouar.
According to French outlet L’equipe, as cited by Watch LFC on Twitter, the 22-year-old cultured midfielder could be available at a cut-price fee this summer.
Twitter: NEW:
Houssem Aouar will be available for £22m – £25m this summer following Lyon’s failure to qualify for the Champ… https://t.co/6ga5iKMToK (@Watch_LFC)
This season Aouar has scored eight times and registered four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions – earning an average Sofascore rating of 6.88 in 30 Ligue 1 outings.
Despite the form of their talismanic captain and 14-cap France Under 21 starlet – Lyon contrived to finish fourth in the French top-flight – outside of the UEFA Champions League places, a factor that could further lead to a parting of ways.
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Those mooted figures for a player of Aouar’s ability and £45million market value would be an incredible bargain.
Hailed for his creative assets, the Frenchman was described as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola after a Champions League clash in 2018.
Liverpool’s current crop of midfielders lacks goals and assist at times, something the signing of Aouar could solve almost single-handedly based on career statistics.
