Liverpool to move for 'The Nigerian Sadio Mane': report

Liverpool have been linked with a Nigerian attacker compared to Sadio Mane, as Jurgen Klopp looks to overhaul his squad.

The Reds are looking increasingly unlikely to finish in the top four this season following a disappointing campaign. Newcastle United's emphatic 6-1 thumping of Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend has left Liverpool nine points off the Champions League places, having played a game more than fourth-placed Manchester United.

There's an acceptance at Anfield that the squad needs revolutionising – but even Mohamed Salah might have competition for his place after links with an exciting right-winger have emerged. 

Citing reports in Spain, the Liverpool Echo claims that Liverpool are just one side looking to rival Real Madrid to sign Samuel Chukwueze.

The highly-rated Nigerian attacker has plenty of fans – not least former Reds left-back Alberto Moreno, who told MARCA that his fellow Villarreal star reminds him of Sadio Mane.

"He's super incisive, fast; you never know where he's going to go," Moreno said. "He's strong too, young, and defined. He's a lot like Sadio Mane. I've seen the two in training and they're very similar.

"He has a lot to learn because he's very young, but he'll become an even better player than he is [now]."

Despite this interest, however, it seems unlikely that the Merseysiders will move for another attacker during this window. Liverpool are seeking midfield reinforcements with two or more players joining, along with another defender and potentially a backup goalkeeper.

Chukwueze is valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt. 

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Liverpool's failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham has led to discussion over who is to blame, with This Is Anfield writing that the fault lies with both Jurgen Klopp and ownership FSG for FourFourTwo.

The Reds are looking at a number of possible alternatives, including Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella, Brighton midfielder Moises Caidedo and Chelsea fringe midfielder Conor Gallagher. Ex-Red Jose Enrique has questioned whether the Merseysiders even needed Bellingham, anyway.

Meanwhile, there could be significant outgoings from Anfield this summer. Mohamed Salah has apparently enquired about a move to Spain, Jurgen Klopp is a target for Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti departs and Roberto Firmino has reportedly agreed a deal with Los Blancos when his Liverpool contract expires.