Julian Ward now has his eyes on Liverpool's next Fabinho
We may be in the middle of an international break but that doesn't mean that the Liverpool transfer rumour mill has stopped turning.
The Reds still have a lot players that they need to upgrade among their ranks and, without significant investment in the future, Liverpool could end up falling even further behind their rivals.
At the moment, they're sixth in the Premier League table after five Premier League games but, since their first game back after the break is against Manchester City, they can cut their gap to the top spot in half if they win.
But, as the season goes on, that's when fans will get a clearer idea of how things are really going to pan out which is why, by the time January comes around, Liverpool will need some plans in place.
Several players are getting linked with the Anfield outfit right now but, a fresh rumour has just emerged which should pique the interest of almost every single Liverpool fan.
Liverpool are now 'following' FC Barcelona's Marc Bernal
One position that Liverpool really need to improve is their midfield.
Right now, they have four players who can be used in their double pivot but, since one of them is only 19 years old and two of the other three can't play alongside one another, problems are arising.
Alexis Mac Allister is featuring in almost every game due to his form and, even though both Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai are both getting plenty of rest, it feels like change is still needed.
Liverpool don't have a natural number six among their ranks and, although that wasn't much of a problem a couple of years ago due to Gravenberch's form, it's now becoming a bit of a red-flag.
So, the fact that this fresh transfer update from journalist Juan Jesus has linked Marc Bernal with Liverpool is extremely exciting.
"Marc Bernal is attracting attention from several clubs: Liverpool and Atlético de Madrid are following him closely, with Simeone and Iraola as absolute admirers of his profile," he wrote.
"The player wants to convince Flick, but in June his playing time will be evaluated. With the presence of untouchables like Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, and Rodri, Bernal is not the coach's first option.
"If he's not satisfied with his role, a permanent transfer is highly likely, not just a loan.
"Barça doesn't want to sell him, unless the player himself asks to leave."
Marc Bernal is young but he could eventually become Liverpool's next Fabinho
The fact that Liverpool still haven't replaced Fabinho is shocking.
The Brazilian left Anfield in 2023 with fans expecting him to be replaced that summer.
However, that never ended up happening and, even though we're now only a few months away from 2027, the Reds are still trying to find their next defensive midfielder.
As mentioned, the options that they have among their ranks at the moment are doing a solid job for now but, there's no doubt that bringing someone such as Bernal in would be better.
The La Masia graduate may only be 18 years old but, in the 44 games that he's already played for Barcelona, he's managed to score five goals and earn himself three assists from defensive midfield.
A fee for the youngster hasn't been shared yet but, if Liverpool can agree a deal for the Barcelona starlet, they'd be onto a winner.
And, as long as he managed to fulfil his potential, he could easily become the Reds' next Fabinho in the future.
