Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have been keeping tabs on Celtic star Moussa Dembele and are plotting a move over the coming window with many top clubs in pursuit. Reports suggest that Liverpool are willing to go up till £20 million to land his signature.
Over the few weeks, Liverpool have suffered a few blows regarding injuries, the latest being talisman Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian had to be stretchered off against Sunderland after he picked up an ankle injury which will probably rule him out for the rest of the year.
Striker Danny Ings is ruled out for the entirety of the season due to injury and with Sadio Mane leaving soon for the African Cup of Nations; Klopp has decided to bolster his attacking availabilities by researching the transfer market as they look to sustain their fight for the league title this season.
Klopp has sent scouts to watch Dembele on five occasions and has received glowing reports on the man who has already netted 17 times for the Hoops since joining last summer.
Speaking earlier last week, Dembele stated, “I have a four-year contract at Celtic and I don’t see myself leaving. I won’t be going anywhere in winter.” Celtic are comfortable in the knowledge that the player they signed from Fulham is happy at the club.
They remain in the driving seat as the bidding war continues and Dembele already turned down lucrative offers from Spurs and Arsenal to sign for Celtic on the understanding that he would be the club’s first choice striker.
Liverpool are willing to pay the 20-year-old around £60k a week to move to Anfield – a substantial pay rise on the £15k a week he currently earns at Parkhead and also a chance for first-team football as Daniel Sturridge hasn’t yet established himself at the club under Klopp.
Celtic were already bracing themselves for a raft of interest in Dembele next summer but Liverpool are hoping to steal a march on rivals with a bid next month.