Liverpool boost as Atalanta president opens door to £50m Teun Koopmeiners transfer

Liverpool target Teun Koopmeiners appears to be available this summer after comments from the Atalanta club president.

Antonio Percassi has insisted the Europa League winners must first find a replacement before the Dutch midfielder is allowed to leave.

But the Italian club still have to ensure their finances are “in order”, which could mean a big offer being accepted for Koopmeiners.

Arne Slot is reportedly a big fan of the 26-year-old, who is rated at £50million.

Asked whether he’d take £50m for Koopmeiners, Percassi told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Only if it was consistent with the strategy required for a provincial club which must always have its accounts in order.

“If you make a deal, it is because you have an equivalent replacement.

“We are prepared to sell key players for Atalanta, if there is a parachute.”

Koopmeiners hinted at a departure from Bergamo after helping La Dea beat Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, insisting “we’ll see” when given the chance to commit his future to Atalanta.

Juventus and Chelsea are also touted to want the player, who said in the spring that he wanted to explore his options.

“I have indicated to Atalanta that I want to make a move next summer. But there must be something very nice to exchange that for Atalanta,” he told De Telegraaf.

“My girlfriend and I are having a great time in Italy, but I can put up with the rain for some clubs in England!

“I hope there will be great options that I can think about. And then I hope that Atalanta receives a nice amount for me, because I had a wonderful time there.

”I would be lying if I said that I did not hear the rumored interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs. Of course I read that too or get it forwarded to me.”