Liverpool face a race against time to land much-needed reinforcements in midfield with Fulham's Joao Palhinha and Crystal Palace youngster Cheick Doucoure among the favoured options.
The Reds have been left reeling following Chelsea's double swoop of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, despite the Anfield club first agreeing a British transfer record fee for the former after they had spent much of the summer courting the latter.
Now scrambling to secure the vital signing of a defensive midfielder before the transfer window slams shut on September 1, Mail Sport understands as many as six targets are being considered.