Liverpool are leading the race for a Serie A winger as Jurgen Klopp looks set to strengthen his squad in January…

What’s the news?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato (via TEAMtalk), Liverpool are leading the race to sign Napoli winger Hirving Lozano.

The Reds were first linked with the player at the end of last season, yet no move ever materialised during the summer transfer window, but it appears that Klopp could well do business next month.

The Mexican might be available for a reasonable fee, especially considering he has been in and out of the Napoli side this season and that his contract is set to expire in 2024.

Klopp’s own Saka

Liverpool have had their fair share of injuries this season and their front three has changed regularly throughout the campaign, although with Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota out for an extended period of time, Klopp will be looking to add at least one of two wide options ahead of the second half of the season.

Lozano hasn’t quite been in his usual sparkling form this season, registering seven goal contributions across 19 matches – four goals and three assists – however, this shouldn’t have any bearing on Klopp’s decision to sign him or not, especially considering how impressive he has been in the past for Napoli.

The 27-year-old has scored 30 goals and registered 16 assists in 133 matches since joining the Serie A side, and is very similar to a player lightening up the Premier League at the moment – Bukayo Saka.

According to FBref, the Arsenal winger is the fifth-most similar player to Lozano across Europe’s top leagues and this is not a bad comparison to have considering the youngster's recent form for the north London side.

This season has seen the two wingers register similar statistics when it comes to shots on target (nine to eight), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.43 to 3.89), dribble success rate (46.2% to 35.1%) and blocks (16 to 11).

Both players obviously provide an excellent attacking threat from wide positions, and Klopp urgently requires an attacking spark. Signing someone that is statistically similar to Saka would be an excellent investment.

The £87k-per-week winger was dubbed “frightening” by Rangers Review journalist Derek Clark before Napoli played Rangers in the Champions League and there is no doubt Klopp can get him back firing and at his very best if he manages to lure him to the Premier League.