Liverpool have met representatives of RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai as part of their midfield rebuild.

The 22-year-old, also followed by Newcastle United, has a €70m release clause in his contract with RB Leipzig, which is due to expire on 30 June.

The meeting between Liverpool and the player’s representatives on Monday was positive.

There is a clear appreciation for Szoboszlai’s talent and attitude, but the club are considering multiple candidates at the same time and do not want to make a hasty decision as they plan the renewal carefully.

The Hungarian’s comfort playing in midfield, his impressive chance creation stats and ability to carry the ball fit the profile Liverpool are looking for. The club have looked at several options to improve the technical quality, dynamism and depth of their central area.

Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is also a target, while deep work has been done on Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch and Nice’s Khephren Thuram.

Liverpool face the biggest shock of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, and it’s at a time when the market – especially for midfielders – is very inflated and no Champions League wins or big sale of players could not help.

Affordability, availability and the desire to restore Liverpool to national and European strength are the main factors assessed.

The Reds secured Alexis Mac Allister in early June for a transfer fee of around £35m in a shrewd transfer that had set them apart as a recruitment leader. Still, that deal is seen as an anomaly rather than the norm during a summer of soaring valuations.

Liverpool have received a boost in their search for a second midfield signing this summer after being told Dominik Szoboszlai prefers them to Newcastle United.

The club’s only signing this summer has been Alexis Mac Allister, just nine days before first-team members reconvened at the AXA Training Center for pre-season, sparking intense speculation about someone else joining. he.

Szoboszlai is the linked surname, but the Reds need to act quickly to activate his expiring release clause and face stiff competition from Newcastle, who have the Champions League advantage next season.

However, despite that bargaining chip, German defender turned journalist for the Leipziger Volkszeitung, Guido Schafer, said come what may, the midfielder would prefer a move to Merseyside. Speaking to Anfield Wrap, Schaefer said: “He [Szoboszlai] wants to go.” He said: ‘I want to take the next step’ and he loves the Premier League.

“If he can choose between the Champions League with Newcastle and the Europa League with Jurgen Klopp, he will choose Klopp and the Europa League. That’s for sure.”

“This [Liverpool] is an exceptional club and the best manager in the world. For me it’s very, very true that Szoboszlai wants to go to Liverpool, not Newcastle, not Man City.”

However, there was one final catch to Schäfer’s promising statements. He wants to go to Liverpool, but I think it’s a financial problem,” said Schäfer, who played with Klopp at Mainz.

Szoboszlai has been called an ‘interesting player’ for the Reds, adding to the already shortlist of Khephren Thuram, Romeo Lavia, Ryan Gravenberch, Gabri Veiga and Manu Kone.

Szoboszlai’s release clause is currently set at €70m (£60m) with conflicting reports as to when it will expire. In addition, former club RB Salzburg must pay a resale fee of 20%.