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It's too early for Liverpool fans to start thinking too seriously about Roberto Firmino's long-term successor but a recent admission from David Ornstein suggests that Jurgen Klopp has already identified a dream candidate.

What's the word?

BBC journalist Ornstein appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport on Tuesday evening ahead of the summer transfer window.

He delivered updates on the top six clubs and his insight provided fans with plenty of valuable information with the opening of the window looming on the imminent horizon.

In discussion of Liverpool's summer plans, the respected journalist made an intriguing revelation about their strategy in regard to new attacking talent, per 5 Live 14/05/2019 (1:29:57).

"A possible attacker (could be signed) if Daniel Struddige leaves, but it won’t be a number nine replacement it will be a versatile attacker.

"Jurgen Klopp loves the predator he feels Rhian Brewster is, so he would feature.

"Origi is going to stay even if he leaves on a Bosman next summer."

Firmino's long-term successor

Firmino has been expected to single-handedly lead the line for Liverpool in recent years and a glaring lack of quality or fully fit alternatives has been a notable issue for the club.

Timo Werner has been mentioned as a potential target but Ornstein seems to have poured cold water over the prospect of a centre-forward acquisition.

Indeed, it seems that Rhian Brewster has been identified by Klopp as a player with the predatory instincts to challenge the Brazilian for a place in the starting XI.

That Klopp's admiration for the 19-year-old is preventing him from targeting a new number nine is telling: Brewster is destined for major involvement next season and he could even be a long-term successor to Firmino.

After all, if he wasn't being prepared for a major first-team role it's likely that Klopp would be eyeing a new centre-forward this summer. The absence of predicted transfer activity is key.

Naturally, Brewster will need to be afforded patience in his bid to establish himself as an integral member of the senior squad, but the progress made by both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez proves that Liverpool is a perfect environment for aspiring talent to excel.

With plenty of exposure to Premier League football next season, and crucially without the presence of a world class number nine to compete with - Firmino aside - Brewster can begin laying the foundations for a glowing career as the club's first choice striker.