Liverpool are reportedly preparing to battle the likes of RB Leipzig and Bologna for the signature of Hacken's Momodou Sonko in the current transfer window.
Sonko, who turns 19 at the end of the month, has already amassed 44 appearances and 14 goals at the senior level for the Swedish club.
In the current season, Sonko has made 13 appearances for the Allsvenskan side, and has already scored four goals and provided an assist.
The striker won the league with Hacken in 2022 and lifted his first-ever Swedish Cup with the club last year.
Swedish outlet Expressen reported in December that Sonko had been attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, with the Reds and Barcelona both keen on signing the teenager in January.
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Now, a report from Fotboll Direkt has reaffirmed Liverpool's interest in Sonko and shed light on the competitors involved in the race to secure his signature.
The report claims that representatives from Liverpool, Leipzig and Bologna have conducted 'secret' meetings with Sonko's current employer to explore the possibility of signing the 18-year-old.
All three clubs are making significant moves to finalize a deal for the highly-rated teenager, and it is believed that Liverpool have sent their representatives to Gothenburg in order to officially register their interest in Sonko.
It is further understood that Hacken had turned down an offer in the region of £3.4m from an undisclosed club, as they value Sonko at approximately £6m.
In an interview with Fotbollkanalen, Hacken's sporting director Martin Ericsson said: "The interest is huge. Then it must be said that there have been some other young players who end up in the spotlight in Sweden. But the interest is great, especially considering the size of clubs."
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When asked for his reaction if Jurgen Klopp were to personally ask him to make the switch to Anfield by Swedish outlet Sport Bladet, Sonko replied: "If he were to call privately, I would laugh. It's pretty unlikely. It's easier for him to reach my agents than me. I haven't gotten that call anyway."
Sonko is very much a modern inside forward, who is right-footed and plays off the left wing, which suits Klopp's preferred system.
Last summer, Liverpool made substantial investments in their midfield by bringing in the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to bolster the squad.
The Reds currently lead the Premier League with 45 points after 20 matches, two points ahead of defending champions Manchester City.
Devesh Jaganath
