Liverpool 'identify Stanislav Lobotka as Jude Bellingham alternative'

Lobotka is part of a Napoli side who are 19 points clear at the top of the Serie A standings, with the club looking set to achieve their first title win since the 1989-90 season.

The 28-year-old has been a key figure for Luciano Spalletti's men, featuring 27 times in the league so far, scoring one and assisting one whilst carrying out a box-to-box midfield role.

According to Calciomercato, Jurgen Klopp's Reds have identified the Slovakian as a summer transfer target who could be secured if the Merseyside club cannot lure England star Bellingham to Anfield.

The report also claims that Liverpool would be willing to pay up to £50m for the Naples playmaker - a deal that would be hard to turn down for the Serie A league leaders.

This news comes as Klopp's side appear "increasingly unlikely" to sign Bellingham in the summer, with Manchester City and Real Madrid emerging as front-runners in the race for the player's signature.

Lobokta will play a part in Slovakia's European Championship qualifying campaign this week, as Francesco Calzona's team host Luxembourg and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group J.