Liverpool have been told by Udinese's general director that Rodrigo De Paul will not come cheap this summer.
It comes amid strengthening reports that the Reds are looking to sign the Argentine in the transfer window.
The midfielder came onto the radar at Anfield last year but a move never materialised.
Leeds United were also interested in the Udinese star but he ended up staying in Italy.
But Liverpool could ramp up their interest as they prepare for life after Georginio Wijnaldum, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Barcelona look primed to land the Dutchman and reunite him with Ronald Koeman, who managed him at international level.
However, Udinese general director Pierpaolo Marino has told any clubs who want to sign De Paul, as well as highly-rated goalkeeper man Musso, that they must stump up some big cash.
He said: “It takes a lot of money to get them, but it’s not like we went looking for potential buyers.
"I don’t have the problem of needing to advertise them. If someone doesn’t realise how strong they are, selfishly, it’s better for me”.
It shows that De Paul is available for the right price but it may take some negotiating in a tricky market affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 26-year-old admitted he would love to play in England in a now-deleted tweet responding to a Leeds fan.
The supporter wished the former Valencia star well and asked if he would be seeing him soon.
De Paul responded by tweeting back "Yes" with a fingers-crossed emoji.
Liverpool have been linked with a number of midfielders as Wijnaldum prepares to depart, including Borussia Monchengladbach ace Florian Neuhaus and Brighton's Yves Bissouma.
However, much of their summer business could depend on whether they finish in the top four or not.
The Reds, like many clubs around the world, have been hit hard in the pocket which could restrict transfer business in the summer.
