This has been one of the most difficult campaigns in Liverpool's recent history with Jurgen Klopp witnessing performances rather symbolic of his opening year at Anfield.

Indeed, the Reds head into the World Cup break sitting in sixth place, seven points off Tottenham who round off the Champions League spots.

It is some way back for Klopp's men but with a productive January window, they could boost their hopes of dining at Europe's top table again next term.

A set of sensational moves have been touted of late, with Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko on their radar.

Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another name to have been mooted with a switch to Anfield but perhaps the most eye-catching of links is to Cody Gakpo.

According to reports in Italy, Liverpool are in pole position to acquire his signature and if they could bring him to England, it would be superb business.

Gakpo has simply taken European football by storm this term, registering some truly outstanding numbers in the final third.

Only last season, the former Leeds-linked attacker scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists but he already looks like bettering that in 2022/23, with the Dutchman finding the net on 13 occasions, while supplying a truly staggering 17 assists.

That just so happens to be four more goal involvements than Erling Haaland has achieved this term, with that fact a clear indication of just how good Gakpo is.

His form throughout 2022/23 has led to a great deal of praise, none more so than from journalist Josh Bunting who claimed he is a "beautiful player to watch."

That is rubberstamped by further statistics over the last 365 days, with the Netherlands international ranking in the top 4% of players outside of Europe's top five leagues for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 minutes and in the best 5% for dribbles completed.

What makes matters even better is that the 23-year-old is in the top 1% of players in the last year for key passes per 90.

With that in mind, Bunting's assessment that he is "up with the best young players in Europe right now" is a rather correct one.

Liverpool appear to be rather well-stocked for offensive options with Darwin Nunez, Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all in their ranks. However, adding Gakpo to that would only elevate their potential for future success.

Firmino and Salah, albeit still blessed with immense quality, are no spring chickens so preparing for a future that includes Nunez and Gakpo in their frontline is a mouthwatering thought.

That said, in order to seal the signing of the £34m-valued ace, they will need to hope his World Cup campaign isn't too awe-inspiring.

The young forward, who can play through the middle or on the wing, is set to truly burst onto the scene this winter with the nine-cap sensation forming part of a squad who could well be dark horses for the competition.

With an in-form Gakpo in their side, few would bet against Louis van Gaal's side going far. If they do so, it would not be a surprise if Liverpool are scouting him every step of the way. It would be a mistake on their part if they don't.