Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has reportedly been shortlisted by Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The Italian international was the only new face to come through the door at Anfield last summer in Arne Slot's first transfer window in charge, but he has been unable to break into Liverpool's front three during their title-winning campaign.
Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo are just some of the players who have blocked Chiesa's passage into the first team, with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez also ahead of him in the pecking order.
Some onlookers believed that Chiesa's goalscoring cameo in the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United would kick start his career at Anfield, but that has not transpired.
Chiesa has made just one brief substitute appearance in Liverpool's five matches since, coming on for the final 10 minutes of their 3-2 defeat at Fulham.
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Chiesa offered escape route from Anfield agony
As a result, interest from elsewhere was always likely, and according to Turkish outlet A Spor, Fenerbahce are interested in making him their high-profile acquisition this summer.
The report claims that an offer in the region of £8.5m is all it could take to bring the 27-year-old to the club, despite him being contracted on Merseyside until 2028.
Fenerbahce are certainly not shy of splashing the cash, as their recent ventures into the transfer market have shown, with the likes of Youssef En-Nesyri, Caglar Soyuncu and Diego Carlos arriving for big fees over the past 12 months.
The Turkish giants are set to miss out on the domestic title to Istanbul rivals Galatasaray, though, so that could see them throw more money about in the market in order to bridge that gap next season.
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Could Chiesa get more of an opportunity next season?
However, while this season has not been a memorable one personally for Chiesa, next year could provide more opportunities for him at Liverpool.
Even though Salah has extended his contract at Anfield, he will depart for the Africa Cup of Nations midway through December, which is often a very busy time in the English football schedule.
There are also questions being raised about Nunez's future at the club, with the Uruguayan one of the most valuable assets that they could decide to move on this summer.
While Liverpool have sealed the Premier League title at a canter, there have also been some concerns about the recent form of Jota and Diaz, and if that was to continue into next season, then Chiesa could stake a claim to break into the side.
However, Slot is expected to be afforded funds to spend in the transfer market, and while defensive reinforcements will top their list of priorities, new additions in attack could also arrive, especially if the likes of Nunez depart.
Andrew Delaney
