There is a tremendous level of respect between Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and his West Ham counterpart David Moyes.
That was clear for all to see before and after West Ham’s 5-1 thumping at Anfield over Christmas.
But Moyes is looking to get one over on his German chum in the January transfer window.
That’s if a new report about interest from the Hammers in a top Liverpool target is to be believed.
Because West Ham want to hijack a Liverpool move for a star who can play in six positions as a Morten Frendrup claim is made.
As reported by a host of top Liverpool sources including the Echo and Empire of the Kop, the Reds want to sign the 22-year-old Danish midfield sensation from Genoa.
Indeed Liverpool are reported to be “leading the race” ahead of the likes of Juventus for a player likened to their former star Fabinho.
But there could be a twist it seems as West Ham have entered the running according to TuttoJuve.
The report claims West Ham are ‘pushing’ to sign Frendrup before Liverpool and could table an £8.5m bid soon.
West Ham need to add more quality in depth to their squad – as the humblings at Liverpool and Fulham have proved lately.
With the versatile Thilo Kehrer moving on to Monaco and other fringe players tipped to depart the London Stadium, Moyes needs signings who can fulfil multiple roles.
And Frendrup is the Swiss Army Knife of footballers.
As detailed by Reds site Anfield Watch, the Danish international can in no fewer than six positions including central midfield, defensive midfield, left-back, left-midfield, right-back and right-midfield.
Whether West Ham can beat Liverpool to Frendrup remains to be seen.
But the Hammers do have the London factor and the possibility of more guaranteed game time with Moyes desperate for cover in many of those positions listed.
If the Hammers do beat the Reds to Frendrup, it could be a measure of revenge.
That’s after Klopp snatched Luis Diaz from under Moyes’ nose a couple of years ago January with the Scot admitting he believed he had the Colombian all but signed, as reported by The Daily Mail at the time.