RB Leipzig have reportedly opened initial talks with Liverpool over signing midfielder Harvey Elliott.
According to the Athletic, the Bundesliga side have made contact with the Premier League champions to discuss a possible deal.
The German club have reportedly targeted Elliott as a possible replacement for Dutch international Xavi Simons.
Simons was left out of RB Leipzig’s squad for their pre-season friendly on the weekend amid intense speculation over his future.
The attacking midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer.
Elliott, however, was in action on Monday as Liverpool held back-to-back friendlies against Athletic Club at Anfield.
RB Leipzig have reportedly opened talks with Liverpool over the signing of Harvey Elliott
Elliott scored in Liverpool’s pre-season friendly on Monday but may leave for more game time
RB Leipzig reportedly view Elliott as a direct replacement for Xavi Simons, who appears Chelsea bound
Elliott scored in Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over the LaLiga side in their opening match of the double header.
The midfielder admitted earlier this summer that he may have to consider his future at the club.
It followed Elliott starting just two matches in the Premier League, both coming after the Reds had clinched the title.
The arrival of Florian Wirtz looks to have hindered his chances of first-team minutes further.
Elliott appeared to indicate his intention for the summer when he admitted he cannot continue ‘wasting years’ of his career.
‘It’s just a situation that me and the team on my behalf have to have a conversation about, because I’m coming to an age now where I’m 22, I’m going to be 23 next season, and I don’t really want to be wasting years of my career, because it’s a short career,’ Elliott said.
‘I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself and the best player I can be.
Elliott admitted earlier this summer that he may need to leave in pursuit of first team football
Elliott netted five goals en route to being named Player of the Tournament at the U21 Euros
‘If that’s to go somewhere else, then it’s a decision I’m going to have to make and I just need to see what happens.’
Elliott is popular among Reds supporters after 147 games for the club.
Elliott had underlined his quality by being named Under 21 European Championship’s Player of the Tournament, after scoring five times in six matches en route England defending their title.
Reports have claimed Liverpool would consider Elliott for £40million if a buy-back clause is inserted into the deal or £50m without.