Jurgen Klopp is looking at bolstering his Liverpool squad by signing a Juventus striker in the January window…
What’s the news?
According to Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, the German manager is a keen admirer of Dusan Vlahovic and is willing to do anything in order to bring the striker to Liverpool.
The report also states that the 55-year-old coach could include French defender Ibrahima Konate in any potential deal with Juventus in order to secure the signing of the Serbian.
Despite arriving in Turin earlier this year for a fee of £67m, Juventus may consider selling if an offer of around €100m (£87m) is made for Vlahovic.
Dream Firmino heir
Record Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez has struggled in parts this season, scoring just five Premier League goals since his £85m summer move, and with Roberto Firmino having just six months left on his current contract at Anfield, Klopp will urgently require some more firepower in his squad before too long.
Vlahovic could be the ideal heir to the Brazilian forward. The 22-year-old hasn’t exactly been in blistering form this season for the Serie A side, scoring seven goals from 15 appearances in all competitions.
However, his form for his previous club Fiorentina is an indication of just how good a player he truly is, scoring 49 goals in just over 100 matches.
Indeed, it would appear his problems at Juventus are more down to his mismanagement under manager Max Allegri than his ability, with journalist Emmet Gates claiming that the forward is a “Ferrari being driven like a fiat” - and he could thrive under Klopp.
He was selected in the Serbia squad for the World Cup and scored against Switzerland last night in a 3-2 defeat, which ended their hopes of progression to the last 16.
The “generational” talent – as dubbed by Gates – has so much to offer and doesn’t appear to be the best fit at Juventus, under the current manager at least.
Firmino has registered 185 goal contributions for Liverpool during his seven-year stint so far and whether he leaves at the end of the current season or extends his contract, the Brazilian won't be at Anfield forever and will be tough to replace.
Vlahovic has shown he can shine at the highest level, scoring goals in Serie A, the Champions League, and now the World Cup.
A January move might be slightly unrealistic, however, Klopp should be doing all he can to bring the striker to Liverpool by the start of next season.