Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for Bournemouth winger Arnaut Danjuma as the new season approaches.

What's the story?

According to Spanish outlet Marca (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Reds are interested in signing the exciting 24-year-old over the coming weeks, although they're likely to face competition for his signature.

The report claims that La Liga outfit Villarreal are also keen to acquire Danjuma's services, with the Cherries placing a €25m (£21.2m) price tag on their prized asset.

Bye-Bye Xherdan Shaqiri

Danjuma arrived on the south coast two years ago but he initially struggled to adapt to life on English shores, failing to contribute a single goal or assist throughout 2019/20 as Bournemouth suffered relegation from the Premier League.

However, the two-cap Netherlands international was in scintillating form last season, playing a pivotal part in the Cherries' run to the Championship play-off semi-finals. In 37 appearances in all competitions, Danjuma found the back of the net on 17 occasions, laying on a further eight assists for his teammates, earning praise from his former manager Jonathan Woodgate.

“He’s an exceptional player, in a really good place at the minute, Arnie. He’s another one who I’ve always done a lot of work on him at his previous clubs, so I knew all about him coming into this role, I knew what type of player he was," said the 41-year-old.

“I know last season that he didn’t really get a run in the Premier League and he maybe found it a bit difficult to get game time, but this season he’s been outstanding.

"I can only talk of what he’s done under my reign, but at the minute, he’s playing some exceptional football, and what else he is doing is working for the team.”

With Liverpool reportedly open to Xherdan Shaqiri's departure in the current transfer window following an underwhelming couple of seasons, Danjuma could be the ideal replacement for the Swiss winger.

His asking price is likely to be within the Reds' budget, and his exceptional dribbling and finishing ability makes him an intriguing acquisition who Jurgen Klopp could develop given his age.

Therefore, director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for Danjuma before another potential suitor makes their move, providing Klopp with the strength in depth he needs for a title tilt.

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