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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Mirror, Liverpool have entered the race to sign CSKA Moscow striker Fedor Chalov this summer.

What's the word?

The report claims that Jurgen Klopp's side are likely to face major competition from both domestic and European rivals in order to clinch Chalov's signature.

It adds that following the departure of Daniel Sturridge on a free transfer, Klopp is on the lookout for another striker, but the Russian's preference on wanting regular game-time could be a sticking point for the Merseyside club.

The complete forward

Despite being just 21, Chalov's performances both in the Russian Premier League and in Europe have drawn admiring glances. The striker was on the score-sheet against Arsenal in the Europa League quarter-finals in the 2017/2018 season, and notched one against Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages last December.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed...

The forward's pedigree in the big games is an intriguing prospect for Liverpool, and his record last season saw him finish as the league's top scorer in Russia with 15. But it is his all-around game that makes him an attractive proposition for Klopp. His seven assists were a clear sign of his willingness to involve himself in the build-up of the game and he has shown a real keen eye for a pass - one of his main strengths according to WhoScored.

Indeed, Pavel Koval, his first coach in CSKA's youth academy remarked: "Fedor has everything a forward needs; speed, dribbling ability, a good scoring instinct – he has it all."

Last year, in the games where Roberto Firmino was absent, the Reds lost a key part of their side. The likes of Sturridge and Origi were simply different profiles of players who were more inclined to be penalty-box predators rather than the imaginative and selfless Brazilian.

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But in Chalov, the Reds would be getting a 21-year-old who understands the number nine role is much more than just scoring goals. His ability to interchange with his fellow forwards, his commitment and his work off the ball are all things parallel to what Firmino brings to the table.

After Sturridge's exit and question marks still over Origi's suitability, Chalov could be just the man to add some more potency up front.