Unfortunately, their partnership in the middle of the pitch has flattered to deceive.

Conor Gallagher’s done well as a third starting midfielder, often advanced as a No 10, but a lack of rotation due to other injuries has been an issue.

Now, Chelsea scouts have been to a European tie in England this week to eye a potential midfield signing.

Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images

Chelsea scouts watch Teun Koopmeiners

HITC claims that Chelsea had representatives at Anfield on Thursday night to watch Liverpool lose 3-0 at home to Atalanta in the Europa League.

It is explained that Blues scouts were specifically there to focus on Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners.

The 26-year-old Dutchman, who played the full game versus Liverpool, caught the eye as an attacking midfielder. He’s a versatile star that can play in offensive or deeper midfield positions, though.

Here below are some of Koopmeiners’ match statistics against Liverpool, via FotMob.

Match rating7.0Total shots4Accurate passes15/20 (75%)Touches in opposition box4Successful dribbles2/2 (100%)Tackles won2/4 (50%)Ground duels won6/11 (55%)Atalanta star available for tempting £47m

La Repubblica claimed back in February that Atalanta are prepared to sell Koopmeiners this summer if their €55 million (£47m) price tag is met. Apparently, Chelsea are the most interested in signing the Holland international as well.

The Serie A star looks an attractive option to us as a genuine goalscoring midfielder, netting 13 times across all competitions so far.

It would be great for the Blues to recruit individuals with this kind of experience rather than youngsters starting from scratch.

Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Atalanta player Domenico Progna (TuttoMercatoWeb), Koopmeiners should soon be entering his prime and looks good value.