Football News

Surprise name joins list of Liverpool striker targets, with big-name quartet also lurking

Liverpool are reportedly in the mix to sign an impressive MLS striker who is attracting plenty of interest from across Europe.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be actively looking to strengthen his attacking options, especially with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah on AFCON duty in the New Year. And it appears that the Anfield outfit have stretched their search to across the pond.

CBS Sports claims that Liverpool are interested in signing FC Dallas forward Ricardo Pepi.

However, the Reds face a battle to land the player, who has handed in a transfer request. Indeed, the report adds that Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also keen on the 18-year-old.

Pepi has been making headlines after scoring 13 goals in 27 Major League Soccer appearances. He has also been starring for his national team, scoring three goals in two USA games.

The young forward is regarded as a real star of the future and CBS claims that Italian side Sampdoria have already bid £6million for his services.

However, Dallas want to keep Pepi until after the 2022 World Cup, when they feel his value could explode.

Indeed, the report adds that a bid of between £9-11m would be needed for a deal to be even considered.

The Texas-born striker does want to leave, however, giving suitors hope a deal could be done.

Liverpool’s US owners are expected to be all over a deal, if one comes to fruition. Especially at the sort of price, where a transfer purely on potential is worth the gamble.

Solskjaer given little chance of seeing out the season at Manchester United

Leeds join Man Utd in Phillips chase

Meanwhile, Liverpool have joined their fierce rivals Manchester United as the top admirers for one of England’s star players, a report has claimed.

The current generation at Gareth Southgate’s disposal is packed with talent and bags of potential. Most are thriving at club level and as a result are demanding big money moves. Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho’s summer switches were the first of many huge English transfers we will see in the near future.

At 18 years old, Jude Bellingham is going to pull in an enormous fee for Borussia Dortmund, while West Ham are holding out for a massive sum for Declan Rice.

And their fellow midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, could also be on the move in the not too distant future.

His contract with Leeds expires in 2024. Therefore, come next summer, it’ll be very much be stick or twist for the 25-year-old.

Phillips is yet to decide on signing a new deal with the Whites. Grealish and Sancho may have trod a tempting path.

And if he wants it, a move to a top six side is almost a guarantee. The Red Devils have reportedly identified him as a target ahead of Rice.

Now they’ve been joined by Jurgen Klopp’s side, according to Todo Fichajes. In fact, they report the Reds have shown the most interest of any team.

As a result, it is claimed they will be the ‘main candidate’ for his services should he not sign a new deal at Elland Road.

READ MORE: Liverpool told striker signing is on in 2022 if they can double Haaland price

The post Surprise name joins list of Liverpool striker targets, with big-name quartet also lurking appeared first on TEAMtalk.