Liverpool now 'closely following' €30m star

Liverpool have been linked with a whole host of players over the last couple of years.

The Anfield outfit were at the centre of attention for many transfers during the summer and, although only four players ended up joining, they still cast their net far and wide for potential targets.

The club will also be allowed to make three changes to their Champions League squad if they wish as they chose to include Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley in their plans from the start.

Indeed, this did mean that Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa were left out of the squad but, in reality, it was clear that neither of those players were going to play an important role this term.

The transfer window may have slammed shut a few weeks ago now but, that doesn't mean that the rumour mill has stopped turning with yet another player now being linked with an Anfield switch.

Liverpool are eyeing a move for Orkun Kokcu again

One of Liverpool's main problem areas this season has been their midfield.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have proven that they cannot play alongside one another in a double pivot and, since Alexis Mac Allister's contract is set to expire in June 2028, the Argentinian's future is also unclear.

Of course, Trey Nyoni has burst onto the scene this season as Curtis Jones' replacement but, since he's only 19, it'll still be a while until he's able to play two 90-minute games in a week.

This has led to fans debating what their next move should be and has made them try and figure out what the best way to improve their squad is.

It's clear that Liverpool have also been thinking about this with Turkish outlet Fanatik now sharing a new midfield target that Liverpool have laid their eyes on.

"The performance of Beşiktaş's new season squad has begun to attract the attention of English clubs," they wrote.

"Premier League team Liverpool is closely following captain Orkun Kökçü. In addition, two other clubs from England are interested. It has been learned that Tottenham is monitoring young central defender Emirhan Topçu.

"Beşiktaş management is expected to adopt a cautious approach towards offers for players they added to the squad at the beginning of the season and who have become important parts of the team.

"Beşiktaş will take the technical staff's opinion into account before evaluating any offers, especially regarding Orkun Kökçü and Emirhan Topçu."

Liverpool would have to pay significantly more than the €30 million that Besiktas paid for Orkun Kokcu

As mentioned, Liverpool's midfield has been a major problem area for them.

Of all their midfielders, only Nyoni and Mac Allister can win duels which, for a double pivot, is rather worrying.

And, since Nyoni is still so young, he can hardly be relied upon each week.

So, the fact that the Reds are looking for new midfielders is hardly surprising.

Of the lot, Kokcu is probably the most out-there target for Liverpool.

He's 25 years old, spent the last couple of years in Turkiye and, when he joined Besiktas at the start of this season, they paid €30 million for him.

And, while the Turkish Super Lig is obviously not comparable to the Premier League, his performances for Besiktas will have certainly added a few extra pennies to his transfer value.

So, as out-there of a signing Kokcu would be, depending on the price tag, he could genuinely be a solid option for Liverpool.

That is, as long as they manage to clear out some of their foreign players, of course.