James Pearce’s thrilling Liverpool transfer allegation has finally been confirmed by a reliable journalist.

Liverpool have been associated with a number of midfielders since the start of last season, and while the rumour mill seems to produce a new name every few days, when one name appears many times by different journalists, it may be time to start paying attention

Jacque Talbot provided a list of probable midfielders on Twitter, writing: ‘Gravenberch is an option, as is Celta Virgo’s Gabri Veiga, as others have mentioned. K Thuram and Manu Kone examined the last window; it is unclear whether the Reds will return’.

The name of Ryan Gravenberch could be of interest as it corroborates with the statements by James Pearce for The Athletic that read: ‘Gravenberch will be one of many under consideration. Bellingham is certainly the priority’.

There appears to be widespread agreement that we intend to sign Jude Bellingham this summer, but given that we are not alone in admiring the talents of the Borussia Dortmund kid, a backup plan is required.

With multiple sources now listing the Bayern Munich midfielder as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp, it’s safe to infer that people in control of our transfer procedures believe the 20-year-old is a viable choice.

Yet, given that he was signed from Ajax last summer, it won’t be cheap to entice him away from the Allianz Arena, especially after making 24 appearances for the German champions.

Although Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arthur Melo, and Bobby Firmino are all scheduled to leave this summer, and it appears likely that we will sign multiple midfielders, we only have enough money for one marquee name. Still, it’s encouraging to see some thought being given to what to do if Bellingham does not visit Merseyside.