Romano delivers CRUSHING blow to Liverpool's three-year pursuit of star

Tom Weber

• Updated: 25 Mar 2024 15:17 GMT
• 4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are interested in Teun Koopmeiners, but there's a major issue.

The Atalanta star has been in inspired form this season, which has unsurprisingly attracted big-name attention. With 12 goals and four assists in 34 games across all competitions, the Dutchman has become one of Italy's most productive central midfielders.

Koopmeiners has been linked with a departure from Bergamo for months and he has now openly confirmed his desire to leave in the summer. “I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move next summer. But there must be something very nice to exchange for that for Atalanta."

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"My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy but I can endure the rain for some clubs in England. I hope there will be great options that I can think about. And then I hope that Atalanta receives a nice amount for me, because I had a wonderful time there.

“I would be lying if I said that I did not hear the alleged interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs. Of course, I read that too or get it forwarded to me.”

Romano on Koopmeiners

The two clubs most prominently linked with the 26-year-old have been Liverpool and, as he mentioned, Juventus, who are looking for a long-term replacement for the banned Paul Pogba.

Despite the fact that Koopmeiners won't come cheap - fees in the region of €60 million to €70m have been touted - and that Liverpool have been eyeing him for the best part of three years, Fabrizio Romano insists that it is actually Juventus who are the current favourites to sign him.

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“Juventus are the favourites to sign Teun Koopmeiners as he has been their top target for a long time, they want him and the relationship with Atalanta is very good,” Romano told CaughtOffside.

“Liverpool have been scouting him but again, a lot will depend on the decision on who will replace Jurgen Klopp as manager – it’s too early to mention Liverpool’s plans without a decision on the manager.”