An early opening of the transfer window means an earlier influx of the rumours linking Liverpool to every playmaker in European football.
The effort to fill the Philippe Coutinho-shaped void has evidently granted foreign outlets free reign to foreground possibilities from across the continent.
A downside to being a football fan is perhaps the natural obsession with any name that floats onto the rumour mill – regardless of whether it is realistic or not.
Liverpool have been tipped to edge out a number of clubs in the race to sign Ajax star Hakim Ziyech, who has made his intentions to leave the club clear.
The Reds are in pole position ahead of Everton for the Moroccan, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.
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Ziyech’s nine goals and 17 assists in the Eredivisie this season have fuelled interested in his services, with Roma, Lyon and Borussia Dortmund all also reportedly tracking him.
Lyon’s interest is particularly interesting given claims that attacking midfielder Nabil Fekir could join Liverpool this summer.
Though the Reds showcase a star-studded attacking force at first glance, there remains an unnerving lack of strength in depth throughout the entire squad that Jurgen Klopp will be notably keen to address.
Uncertainty over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s return date next season adds to the departure of Coutinho in exposing the need for added creativity.
Naby Keita’s arrival from RB Leipzig will go someway towards fulfilling this, although Emre Can’s likely move to Juventus is set to clear further space for reinforcements.