Inter Milan centre-back Jeison Murillo has welcomed reported interest from Liverpool—though he firmly has his sights set on fighting for the Serie A title with his side this season.

In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Jean-Luca Mascaro of CalcioNews89 and GianlucaDiMarzio.com), Murillo was asked about interest from Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid. He said: “It is always nice to hear, but I am professional and I respect the team and the jersey I play for.”

Per Ximo Arregui of Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro‘s Will Giles), the Reds are considering a £22.1 million bid for the Colombian.

According to the report, Murillo described winning the Scudetto this season as “a must,” seemingly ruling out a move in January. Nevertheless, Liverpool would be wise to maintain their interest in the 23-year-old.

He signed for the Italian outfit last summer after an excellent showing at the Copa America, per WhoScored.com:

His performances were recognised and rewarded according to writer David Amoyal, and beIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti is also an admirer:

Liverpool’s suspect defending has proven costly in recent years, and a change of personnel could certainly help in that regard. Murillo is a player of outstanding potential and is showing great development at Inter, so he fits the bill perfectly.

A new goalkeeper would also be useful as Simon Mignolet remains uninspiring and suspect at the back.

According to Ben Burrows of the Mirror, the Reds are hoping to land Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but he will cost far more than the £12 million they are reportedly willing to offer.

Ter Stegen could be tempted into a move, as he is typically only the No. 1 in the Champions League and cup competitions. But the highly promising stopper will require significant investment to prise away from the Camp Nou.

The Reds are also keen to improve their firepower, thanks to a mix of injuries and poor form leaving them goal-shy up front. They are hoping to land Fulham youngster Moussa Dembele, according to Neil Moxley of the Mirror.

The 19-year-old has impressed at Craven Cottage and netted 10 times already this season, but as the report notes, the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also eager to snap him up, so it could prove difficult to bring him to Anfield this January.

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