Liverpool Set To Bid £22m For Striker Who Has Scored 8 Goals In 18 Appearances; Wijnaldum Talks To Close Friend About joining Liverpool

Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on Benfica striker Raul Jimenez ahead of a potential summer swoop.

The Reds have a wealth of attacking talent at their disposal, but the long-term future of Daniel Sturridge remains in doubt. The German has plumped for Divock Origi ahead of Sturridge this season if a main striker has been used, calling into question the future of the former Chelsea striker brought to Anfield by Brendan Rodgers four years ago.

According to Squawka, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is impressed with the £22m-rated Mexican forward, who has scored eight goals in 18 appearances this season, but is expected to wait until the summer to make a move.

Jimenez was on the verge of joining West Ham United from Atletico Madrid in August 2015, but the transfer broke down after he failed to turn up for a medical.

The 25-year-old claimed that he overslept and missed his flight to London as a result, and he later joined Benfica in a deal that eventually cost the Portuguese club £18m. Any possible deal for the Mexican striker could be problematic this month, however, according to reports in Portugal, a big money move could be on the cards as Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his attacking options.

The preferred option for Benfica would be to cash in at the end of the season as they lead their bitter rivals Porto by four points in the Primeira League, and face Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.

The Mexican then joined Benfica for £18m helping them to win league and cup double in his first season in Portugal. Jimenez has scored nine goals for his country and helped Mexico win gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

Georginio Wijnaldum has said he wants Netherlands teammate Quincy Promes to join him at Liverpool. The Reds have been linked with a January move for the Spartak Moscow winger, and the Liverpool Echo reports the 24-year-old is on Jurgen Klopp’s radar.

However, Wijnaldum insists he has not discussed a move to Anfield with Promes, but says his close friend is well aware about the stature of the club

“I think he knows how great Liverpool is — I knew it before I came here,” Wijnaldum, who moved to Liverpool from Newcastle United this summer, said. “I don’t know if everything is true about what they say as I don’t speak with him about that.” he added.

“Of course I want him to come to Liverpool because I know he is a good player and also a good person who can help the team but it is something for the manager and the scouts, not for me. I just read it in the papers or on the internet.” explained Wijnaldum.

Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has long been an admirer of winger Promes and tried to sign him while in charge of Germany’s Borussia Dortmund.