Reports: Liverpool face tough competition from rivals for top target

What's the rumour?

After being linked with Jean Michael Seri, Liverpool continues to be in the search for a new midfield player. They are now in the hunt for Napoli midfielder, Jorginho but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, according to Metro UK.

The Italian playmaker has a contract until 2020 with the Serie A leaders and is believed to be worth around £50 million.

In case you didn't know...

Jorginho joined Napoli in 2014 from Hellas Verona and has been impressive ever since. Not only has been the best midfielder for his club, he has also proven to be one of the best in the entire Serie A.

Although being a Brazilian by birth, the 26-year-old holds dual citizenship of both Brazil and Italy. However, he received a call-up to the Italian national team in 2016 and has made three appearances for the Azzurri.

The heart of the matter

The Italian operates as a playmaker, making the shift from a holding and defensive role to the centre of midfield. He has been having another impressive campaign in Naples as his side sits on top of the league. The primary strengths of the midfielder are his passing, tackling and ball interception.

This season, defensively, he averages 2 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game. Going forward, he has scored 3 goals and assisted four times completing 1.5 key passes per game with a passing accuracy of 89%. He has an excellent range of passing and is averaging 2.5 long balls per game in the Serie A.

Jorginho has never missed a penalty in his senior career:9 taken 🎯9 scored ⚽️The most nonchalant of run-ups. pic.twitter.com/6HOLTNuu8P

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 1, 2017

Rumour probability/rating: 8/10

All three clubs have sent their scouts to watch the Napoli midfielder in action. Jurgen Klopp has targeted Jorginho as the ideal replacement for the potentially departing Emre Can in the summer.

As per Manchester United, manager Jose Mourinho is keen on infusing fresh blood in his midfield, with Michael Carrick set to retire and Marouane Fellaini looks to be on his way out at the expiry of his contract in the summer. The reinforcement in midfield for Arsenal is a priority with the lack of a proper holding midfielder in the squad and the uncertainty regarding Jack Wilshere's future.

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Author's take

Jorginho is one of the brightest and most talented playmakers in Europe. He has had an incredible rise in his career which has attracted the attention of major English clubs and is bound to be in the middle of a bidding war in the summer.

All three linked clubs would benefit from the signing of Jorginho. Not only is he excellent passer of the ball he is very good at recovering the ball too with his tackling and interception. The all-around skills that the Italian has, are ideal for the Premier League and will help him adapt to the playing style in England.