Liverpool now targeting £18m star 'tipped to be next Modric' at Anfield | OneFootball

Liverpool could pull off a 'great signing' by luring Red Bull Salzburg star Luka Sucic to Anfield this summer, journalist Pete O'Rourke has told GiveMeSport.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, whose side suffered a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first leg in midweek, has turned his attentions towards potential acquisitions in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool transfer news - Luka Sucic

According to Football Transfers, internal conversations have been held over the possibility of signing Sucic ahead of next season after he has been added to a preliminary list of Liverpool targets.

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The report suggests the 20-year-old has a release clause worth up to £18million written into his Salzburg contract, meaning the Reds will not need to break the bank in order to reach an agreement with his current employers.

It is not the first time Sucic has been linked with a move to the Premier League as he was actively pursued by Newcastle United last summer, but he ended up remaining in Austria instead of heading to Tyneside.

The Croatia international has just shy of two-and-a-half years remaining on his Salzburg contract, meaning they are not under pressure to sanction his departure unless his release clause is activated.

Sucic is not the only midfielder in Liverpool's sights as transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Borussia Dortmund talisman Jude Bellingham is being prioritised over Chelsea's Mason Mount.

What has Pete O'Rourke said about Sucic?

O'Rourke understands that Sucic has earned comparisons to Real Madrid key man Luka Modric and, as a result, it speaks volumes of the quality he possesses.

The journalist feels Liverpool chief Klopp is eager to freshen up his midfield options when the transfer window reopens for business.

O'Rourke told GiveMeSport: "He has been tipped to be the next Luka Modric and, if he is half as good as him, he would be a great signing for anybody.

"We know Liverpool are looking to rejuvenate and rebuild their midfield next season, so that's maybe why they are looking at Sucic right now."

Would Sucic be a good signing for Liverpool?

Sofascore data shows Sucic went into the weekend having averaged 1.6 shots, as many key passes and 1.5 tackles per Austrian Bundesliga outing this season.

Those figures emphasise that the attack-minded midfielder, who has racked up close to 40 goal contributions during the early stages of his senior club career, ensures his presence is felt at both ends of the pitch.

Liverpool are expected to be left with a threadbare midfield in the summer as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita's respective contracts are set to expire.

But Sucic could make the Merseyside giants even more of an attacking force as FBref statistics show he has averaged more assists per 90 minutes than the trio this term.

five-time Champions League winner, highlight the Salzburg man would be an exciting addition to Klopp's squad.