Liverpool are reportedly weighing up making an offer for a "fantastic" midfielder who is already making waves at a huge European club.
Arne Slot is blessed with a plethora of strong midfield options currently, even though there was frustration that Martin Zubimendi didn't arrive from Real Sociedad during the summer transfer window.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have been Liverpool's strongest midfield trio this season, while the likes of Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott represent strong backup options.
According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are considering tabling a bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios, with the required fee starting at a minimum of PS41.6m.
The Reds are among the clubs "most interested" in signing the 21-year-old, but they aren't alone, with "several" European sides believed to be eyeing him up.
Our thoughts on Liverpool's interest in Barrios...
Barrios is a young player with so much potential, racking up 66 appearances for Atletico to date, chipping in with three goals and four assists. Diego Simeone is a big admirer of the Spaniard, already starting four games in La Liga this season, saying of him:
"He has a fantastic game, and I told him that we're going to work to shape it. Koke is there now (at the '5') and we are trying to bring out Pablo's full potential. He has to grow, but he's doing very well. I'm excited. He's a kid from the academy, and he can play several roles."
Admittedly, another midfielder doesn't necessarily feel like the most pressing area of the pitch for Liverpool to strengthen in, with more depth required at centre-back, for example, but having the chance to sign such a top talent shouldn't be ignored.
Barrios could grow into an even more formidable presence as the years pass, and if Slot believes he can be an upgrade on some of his current options, he needs to be ruthless and sign him at their expense.
At 21, the Atletico ace remains a work in progress, but the fact that he has already become such a dependable squad player for one of Europe's biggest teams says so much about his ability.
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