Liverpool are reportedly at the head of the queue to sign Borussia Dortmund teenager Youssoufa Moukoko.
With the Black and Yellows' new signing Sebastien Haller taking time out to recover from a testicular tumour, Moukoko has taken a more central role in Edin Terzic's plans this term.
The 17-year-old enjoyed his breakthrough campaign with Dortmund in 2020-21, having amassed a remarkable 90 goals and 16 assists in 56 matches at Under-17 level.
Moukoko has not been able to nail down a regular place in the BVB starting lineup this season, but he has registered a respectable four goals and five assists from 16 games in all tournaments.
The German's total for Dortmund now stands at nine goals and seven assists in 53 senior appearances, and he also has six goals from just five games for the Germany Under-17 team.
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Liverpool are believed to be one of the sides tracking Moukoko's development, and Spanish outlet Sport claims that the Reds are currently leading the way for his signature.
The report claims that Jurgen Klopp has been left hugely impressed with Moukoko's development at the Westfalenstadion, but they are still facing stiff competition for his signature.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be keeping tabs on the 17-year-old, who could become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
Having entered the final year of his contract with Dortmund, Moukoko would be free to enter discussions with foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement from January as things stand.
Dortmund are determined to tie the striker down to a new long-term deal, but talks are supposedly stalling over his wage demands, as he is after a yearly salary of €6m (£5.2m).
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However, the Black and Yellows are reluctant to go higher than €4m (£3.5m) a year, and negotiations have therefore been placed on ice until the World Cup is over.
Liverpool's interest in Moukoko could see them try to pull off an audacious double swoop from Klopp's former club, as Jude Bellingham continues to be linked with a move to Anfield.
The 19-year-old is expected to leave Dortmund at the end of the season, and Liverpool's need for midfield reinforcements will likely see them involved in the inevitable bidding war.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Bellingham would be likely to leave Dortmund as the most expensive midfielder of all time, and Liverpool must battle Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid for the Englishman's services.
Ben Knapton
