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Liverpool could still snap up someone to offer some relief to their coveted front three but as the Liverpool Echo understand it, it won't be Werder Bremen's star and out-of-contract captain Max Kruse.

It seems the 31-year-old's profile is not exactly what Jurgen Klopp wants in the team, despite links from German outlet Sport1. Usually, the German manager tends to get his transfers right but on this specific occasion, it feels like he's ultimately made the wrong move as Kruse could've been the perfect Roberto Firmino backup. Here are two main reasons why...

Kruse fits Liverpool like a glove

Kruse has had a fantastic season leading Werder Bremen, with the German recording a total of 11 goals and nine assists in the Bundesliga. Unfortunately, that was not enough to fire his team above eighth place. Still, his respectable return should definitely not be overlooked. This is especially true when compared to Firmino's own contribution to the heavy metal machine that is Liverpool.

The Brazilian forward is superb at both finishing and creating goals, netting an impressive 12 goals and assisting a further seven. This outlines his importance to the Reds but also goes to show how similar those two players are in style - both are goalscorers but are also keen on setting up their teammates proficiently. In fact, much like Firmino, Kruse was seen as an attacking midfielder for much of his career before he began to lead the line.

If Klopp is really looking for a like-for-like Firmino backup, it doesn't get much better than Werder's captain. Kruse could have been an excellent addition to the already fantastic team.

You can relive Liverpool's Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below...

He's a bargain

This might be an equally important thing to note in this failed transfer opportunity. Kruse is out of contract and getting such a prolific striker for free is a luxury not many can obtain in today's market, especially for a player with such experience and leadership qualities.

Klopp spoke earlier this season about not spending big in the summer while the Telegraph have reported that they only intend on making low key additions to an already impressive squad. Kruse meets both requirements as a free agent who won't arrive to huge fanfare, but can provide an important service to the team as Firmino's direct understudy.

Unfortunately though, another club will now be making the most of the German attacker's availability.