Liverpool plotting 'last-gasp swoop' for midfield target in January, he'd be an excellent signing

Liverpool reportedly hold 'concrete' interest in Wolves star Ruben Neves amid links to Spanish giants Barcelona.

The Reds are on the lookout for players to reshape and rebuild their midfield, with several long-serving names out of contract in the summer.

Those include James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita - and all three have suffered with injury problems at various points in the season.

Liverpool's midfield, and its lack of physicality, has been focused upon as one of the key reasons behind their struggles this season, with Klopp's side out of the running for the Premier League title.

They face a battle to qualify for the Champions League, with the Reds already 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

And Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders, with Italian journalist Rudy Galetti claiming to GiveMeSport they hold interest in Mikel Merino, Piotr Zielinski and Sofyan Amrabat.

They also remain focused on a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, but Sky Germany claim a deal could cost them in the region of €150 million.

A new report suggests that Liverpool are currently locked on a much cheaper target.

Liverpool keen on Neves

Earlier this week, Spanish outlet Fichajes claimed that the Reds were keen on rivalling Barcelona to sign Wolves star Neves, with the Spanish giants identifying the Portugal international as a potential replacement if Sergio Busquets departs the club this summer.

The 25-year-old would be available for a fee of around £35 million, and his set piece ability, shooting from range and physicality would add an extra element to Liverpool's midfield.

Now, Football Insider say that the Reds have 'concrete' interest in bringing Neves to Anfield, knowing that Bellingham is not available until at least the summer.

However, it is reported that they would wait until the end of the window before launching a bid, due to the incoming business Wolves are hoping to complete this month.

They have already signed forward Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid, and completed a move for PSG midfielder Pablo Sarabia. Their other incoming deal sees former Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina join the club from Nice.