Liverpool add Feyenoord’s Orkun Kokcu to midfield shortlist?

Liverpool reportedly add Feyenoord captain Orkun Kokcu to their list of midfield targets for the summer transfer window.

Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu has been added to Liverpool’s list of summer transfer targets, according to a report.

The 22-year-old – who has been heavily linked with Arsenal in the past – has worn the captain’s armband for the majority of the campaign to lead Arne Slot’s men to the Eredivisie title.

Kokcu has come up with 12 goals and five assists from 44 games in all tournaments this season, as a 3-0 win over Go Ahead Eagles last weekend clinched the title for Feyenoord with two games to spare.

The Turkey international has spent the last nine years with Feyenoord since leaving Groningen’s youth academy in 2014, boasting a total of 32 goals and 27 assists in 173 outings for the Dutch giants across all competitions.

However, Feyenoord only have their skipper under contract for another two years, and their resolve is expected to be tested during the upcoming transfer window.

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Manchester United are believed to have sent scouts to keep an eye on Kokcu throughout the season, but according to Football Transfers, Liverpool are firmly in the mix as well.

Since prising Cody Gakpo away from PSV Eindhoven in January, Liverpool have apparently been keeping a close eye on the top flight of Dutch football and are keen admirers of Kokcu.

However, the report adds that the 22-year-old is not the Reds’ number one midfield target, and they are planning to wrap up one big-name signing before turning their attention to the Turk.

Liverpool were initially expected to rival Real Madrid for the signature of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but the Merseyside club baulked at his £130m price tag and ultimately dropped their interest.

Since conceding defeat in their efforts to bring Bellingham back to England, Liverpool have been busy seeking out cheaper alternatives, one of whom is thought to be Brighton & Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister.

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While they are yet to negotiate a fee with Brighton, Liverpool are supposedly close to agreeing personal terms with Mac Allister and are hopeful of concluding a deal within the next couple of weeks.

Jurgen Klopp’s side could step up their interest of Kokcu once Mac Allister is through the door, as the Reds are expected to bring at least two new midfielders to Anfield ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, Liverpool paid tribute to Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, all of whom will leave the club at the end of their contracts this summer.

Arthur’s loan deal from Juventus will not be converted into a permanent move either, while the long-term future of the injury-plagued Thiago Alcantara is also mired in uncertainty.

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