Liverpool target Ricardo Saponara

Liverpool are reportedly planning a January swoop for highly-rated Empoli midfielder Ricardo Saponara.

The 23-year-old playmaker had been linked with a move to arch-rivals Everton over the summer, but a deal never materialized.

Italian publication Tuttosport now reveals that the Reds have been keeping tabs on the talented attacker, and are planning to make an offer when the transfer window reopens in 2016.

Saponara, who has notched four goals and three assists this term, is said to be eyeing a spot in Italy's Euro 2016 squad.