Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has identified Napoli midfielder Jorginho as the ideal replacement for Emre Can, claims The Daily Mirror.
Can is out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to join Juventus on a free transfer in the summer.
Liverpool are still hopeful of convincing Can to commit his long-term future but are also putting plans in place to continue cope with the Germany international's expected departure.
Klopp’s side will face stiff competition from Manchester United for Jorginho, as they have been heavily linked with a move for the 26-year-old for most of the season.
Jose Mourinho has made bolstering his midfield options a top priority in the next transfer window and Jorginho is understood to feature very highly on his summer wish list.
Liverpool have not been deterred by the interest shown by their rival and believe they have as much chance of signing the £50m-rated midfielder.
Jorginho has developed into one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe in the last two seasons and Napoli would be resigned to lose someone as integral to the way they play as the Italy international.
Only Nicolas Otamendi (2,464) and Kalidou Koulibaly (2,289) have completed more passes than Jorginho (2,260) in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
