Liverpool are reportedly prepared to miss out on Atalanta BC midfielder Teun Koopmeiners this summer.
The La Dea playmaker has suffered a frustrating summer on the international stage, failing to make the Netherlands' squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Koopmeiners missed out on selection due to a last-minute injury, with the midfielder picking up a groin issue during his nation's warm-up camp for the tournament.
Focusing on club matters, the former AZ Alkmaar man enjoyed a success-laden term for Atalanta, who lifted the Europa League in late May, ending Bayer Leverkusen's season-long unbeaten run during a memorable final.
Gian Piero Gasperini's troops were also highly competent on the domestic scene in 2023-24, finishing fourth in Serie A and securing a spot in next season's revamped Champions League.
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Liverpool target to reject Reds in favour of Juventus?
According to Italian outlet Tutto Juve, Koopmeiners has snubbed the advances of Liverpool this summer in order to stay in Serie A ahead of the new season.
The report claims that the Dutchman is not keen on a move to England at this stage of his career and would only entertain a summer transfer to Juventus.
It is understood that the 26-year-old and the Old Lady have agreed on a deal, however there are still obstacles to overcome before the midfielder is unveiled at Allianz Arena.
Rated at £50m by La Dea after playing such an integral part in their Europa League victory, Koopmeiners is hoping that Atalanta and Juventus can quickly shake hands on a suitable transfer fee.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to be a massive admirers of Koopmeiners, with the pair spending time together at AZ Alkmaar in 2020.
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Where do Liverpool look next for Slot's first signing?
After reportedly being rejected by Koopmeiners, Liverpool are being forced to wait a little longer for the first signing of the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
The Reds have also been linked with Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman, who netted a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final to down Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen.
Liverpool are said to be interested in Koopmeiners's midfield partner Ederson, with the Brazilian returning to Italy recently following a summer of Copa America action in the United States.
Slot's first signing could arrive in the form of a Virgil van Dijk successor, with Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio a 'priority' target for the Merseysiders.
Carter White
