Euro giants take ‘first steps’ towards signing Liverpool player

Juventus have taken the ‘first steps’ towards a potential January move for Liverpool forward Divock Origi, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Italian outlet claim that the Turin side are considering a midseason swoop for the Belgian as the situation surrounding Alvaro Morata’s future at the club remains up in the air.

The former Chelsea man is on loan from Atletico Madrid, with a permanent clause of around £29.4 million written into the deal.

Juve aren’t necessarily expected to activate that clause, however, and recent reports from the continent have also suggested that Morata could instead be on his way to Barcelona at the end of the season.

Interestingly, it’s understood that Juve don’t view Origi as an out-and-out replacement for Morata, but rather someone who could complement a more orthodox striker.

How likely are Liverpool to sell?

Death, taxes, speculation about Divock Origi leaving Liverpool just before a transfer window opens.

The Belgian is always being linked with a move away from Anfield, and as yet, nothing has materialised.

But while Juventus’ interest would represent a much more illustrious exit option than anything that has come before, it’s hard to see the Reds willingly offloading players in this January transfer window specifically.

With AFCON just around the corner, Jurgen Klopp is set to be without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane for a decent amount of time, and while Origi doesn’t necessarily deputise for either player, it could be something of an “all hands on deck” situation at Anfield until they return.

The one factor that could change that, of course, is if the Reds were able to sign an attacking player or two over the coming months, thus freeing up the Belgian to seek a fresh challenge elsewhere.

What are the fans saying?

It’s safe to say that some Liverpool supporters aren’t too keen on Origi leaving the club.

@Chris06038718 tweeted: “Origi has been good for us. He has scored some amazing and important goals which have won him medals. Would he have that anywhere else?”

@lfcmli4eva tweeted: “No chance, you do know LFC wont spend, and with no Salah/Mane in January... Nothing story.”

Some fans appear much more receptive to the idea of one of their favourites leaving the club, however.

@SH35dv5e7 tweeted: “Do it for Divock. Think Juventus is the type of club that he wants rather than Wolves.”

@aimansyamim tweeted: “Why am i having mixed feelings about this?”

@Capo_Mizz tweeted: “He will do well over there”