Goal.com is reporting that Liverpool are interested in signing Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen.

What's the story?

It looks as though the Reds will not be completing any more transfer business during this window - at least that's what Jurgen Klopp says - so now they will look towards the summer to see how they can strengthen their squad.

One of those on their shortlist is said to be Leon Bailey, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen. As the Anfield outfit look to add more squad-depth, the Jamaica international would be a cheaper alternative to Jadon Sancho, the report states.

Not good enough

The 22-year-old has long been talked about in the Bundesliga as a future star - there have even been comparisons to former Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben due to his ability to cut inside from the right-wing and onto his left foot - with the 2017-18 campaign being his breakthrough. Despite starting the season at just 20 years of age, he scored nine goals and provided six assists in 25 starts in the German top flight, putting himself on the map.

However, he has not been able to hit those heights since. Last season, he scored just five times and provided one assist in 21 starts, and this term under Peter Bosz, he was included in the first XI just five times in the initial 17 matches.

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There are still signs of his fascinating ability - he has three goals and one assist in those starts so far, including a brace against Bayern - but there will be worries that he has not really progressed. He has become more and more selfish with each passing campaign - in 2017/18, he had two key passes per match and 1.9 dribbles, whilst this season those figures have been 1.4 and 2.1 respectively.

With a current Transfermarket value of £33.3m, he would certainly come cheaper than Sancho - the 19-year-old is valued at £100m - but he is no match for the England international. In 24 matches in all competitions this season, the former Manchester City man has 12 goals and 13 assists. For context, Bailey has just eight more goals and has managed only as many assists in 71 more matches during his Leverkusen career.

Yes, Sancho will be expensive, but in today's footballing world, you get what you pay for. Liverpool should not be looking for the cheap option. In their position, as Premier League leaders and European champions, they can target the best in the world.

In other news, the verdict is given on Liverpool's interest in this £70m Premier League star.