The race for Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic's signature is hotting up, with Sassuolo having expressed an interest in a permanent move.
The Serie A side have made the Serbian their top target to replace Manuel Locatelli, who looks likely to depart amid a battle between Juventus and Arsenal for his services.
Sassuolo's head of scouting, Davide Cangini, has admired Grujic since trying to to recruit him in his previous position as head scout for Atalanta.
And he has a chance to finally get his man this summer with the sale of Locatelli expected to generate at least €50m.
Grujic is valued at €15m by Liverpool, who are keen to move on a player who has made just a handful of senior appearances since becoming Jurgen Klopp's first signing for the club in 2016.
The 25-year-old is also still wanted by Porto, for whom he made 36 appearances during a season-long loan stay last term.
He is said to be eager to return to Portugal after enjoying his stint working under Sergio Conceicao, which saw him make 36 appearances in all competitions.
However, Porto are believed to be struggling to raise the funds to make the signing, with departures necessary before they make a move.
As such, Sassuolo have the opportunity to put themselves in the driving seat in the coming days.
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