Quincy Promes has revealed that Georginio Wijnaldum wants him to join Liverpool.
The Holland international was linked with a move to the Reds earlier this month but that interest in the winger has subsequently cooled.
Jurgen Klopp is understood to have identified Promes as a potential alternative to Julian Draxler, who snubbed Anfield’s overtures to join Paris Saint-Germain.
Wijnaldum’s friendship with his international team mate had given Liverpool hopes of landing the £20-million rated winger from Spartak Moscow.
But Promes insists that he has not discussed the prospect of a reunion with the midfielder on Merseyside and insists he remains committed to the Russian club.
He said: “Yes, he says he wants me [at Liverpool], because he likes me as a player.
“That’s what he said. I talked with him, of course. But it wasn’t about Liverpool. We’re just friends.
“I repeat: everyone who knows me understands what I think, and fans of Spartak know and remember what I said.
“So I do not understand why this issue is discussed at all.”
“I never thought about other clubs. Never,” added Promes.
“Some things were said, but I do not know about that. I just know that I play for Spartak, and people who really know me understand this.”