Liverpool target admits desire to seal summer transfer

Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has admitted his desire to leave the club this summer, with Liverpool among the sides tipped to make a bid.

26-year-old Koopmeiners has enjoyed several impressive seasons with Atalanta and came close to joining Napoli last summer, only for the two clubs to fail to reach an agreement.

Since then, the Dutch international has struck ten goals in 25 games and generated strong links to Liverpool, who are expected to pursue another midfielder this summer to complete their rebuild in the heart of the pitch.

Speaking to De Telegraaf, Koopmeiners opened the door to a switch to England and admitted he is aware of the speculation surrounding his future.

"I told Atalanta that I want to move next summer," he said. "But there has to be something really interesting for me to leave Bergamo.

"My fiancee and I are having a lot of fun in Italy, but for some clubs in England, I would even put up with the rain. I hope that options arise which I can think about, and then I hope Atalanta get a nice sum for me, because I've had a wonderful time in Bergamo.

"I'd be lying if I said that I didn't receive news of probable interest from Juventus and a Premier League club. Of course I read them, or they are forwarded to me."

Koopmeiners remains under contract with Atalanta until 2027 but seems determined to finally leave the club this summer, having seen a switch to Napoli fail to materialise last summer. Reports suggested the reigning Serie A champions saw a bid of €48m (£41m) knocked back.

Since then, Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move but Koopmeiners is also said to be on the radars of Juventus and Newcastle United, while Napoli are also reported to retain their interest.

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