LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, October 9, 2015: Liverpool announce German Jürgen Klopp as new manager during a press conference at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Rumour Mill: Jurgen Klopp to turn to Serie A in January?

Days after his arrival as new Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has been linked with his first pair of transfers moves – both from Serie A.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Friday, October 9, 2015: Liverpool announce German Jürgen Klopp as new manager during a press conference at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It didn’t take long: Klopp is already plotting to overhaul his Liverpool squad in the January transfer market.

That is according to reports from Italy, of course.

After his official unveiling as Reds manager on Friday morning, Klopp clearly headed straight for his fellow committee members to discuss his next moves—or so the Express would have you believe.

Sourcing Italian publications Calciomercato and Gazzetta dello Sport, they suggest Klopp is planning a “double swoop” on Serie A in the upcoming transfer window.

The first stop is for Sassuolo’s high-potential young forward, Domenico Berardi, with Klopp said to be a long-term “admirer” of the 21-year-old, who joined on a permanent deal this summer, ending his co-ownership agreement with Juventus.

However, “the buy-back clause inserted by Juventus could be a stumbling block for the Reds.”

Moving for Berardi in January would be a statement of intent by Klopp and Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, with the Italy under-21 international representing one of Europe’s most in-form attackers.

Last season, Berardi scored 15 goals and made 10 assists in 32 Serie A games, primarily from a wide-right position, while he has made one assist in four in 2015/16 so far.

He may look like a genetically modified Fabio Borini, but unlike his compatriot, Berardi would likely be a success on Merseyside.

With Liverpool short on genuine wide options at present, he would be a great addition—but the credibility of this report is questionable.

As is Gazzetta dello Sport‘s claim that Klopp is also targeting Napoli midfielder Jorginho this January.

They report that both Liverpool and Southampton have “made an approach” for the 23-year-old all-rounder, with a fee of “between £14.8 million and £22.2 million” required to secure his services.

Jorginho is a proficient midfielder in all sectors: able to break up play with steel and intelligence, as well as creating openings from a central position; averaging 1.5 key passes per 90 Serie A minutes and completing 90 percent of his attempted passes this season.

Markedly similar in style to Saints midfielder Jordy Clasie, reported interest from Klopp’s south-coast counterpart, Ronald Koeman, is bemusing.

But it can be argued that targeting a midfielder capable of operating in both defensive and attacking sectors should be a priority for the German this winter.

If a move for Schalke 04’s Johannes Geis is out of the question, Jorginho would be a useful addition.

Signing Berardi and Jorginho, however, would see FSG continue their youth-based recruitment drive, with Klopp’s arrival expected to prompt a change in approach from the Boston-based owners.

Either way, coming so soon into the 48-year-old’s tenure, the plausibility of these rumours is highly doubtful.

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