Liverpool step up striker chase as talks begin with new target

All summer long the Reds have been linked with three forwards above all others. Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike have been the three names in the frame.

Osimhen looks certain to clinch a move to Galatasaray with Liverpool not involved in the bidding at this stage.

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Isak’s £120m+ price tag has always been an impediment and the Merseysiders may well have to wait to land the Swede until his contract ticks down further.

And Ekitike is a known target but Eintracht Frankfurt are insisting on €100m for the France under-21 international.

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Given Liverpool have already lavished around £200m on summer arrivals to this point, they will be looking to make sales before signing a new forward.

Liverpool speaking with Mateta

Even then, it would be a surprise to see the Anfield club come close to the fee they paid to Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz. That’s why a cut-price option up top sounds appealing - all the more so if the striker in question comes with added Premier League quality.

And that brings Jean-Philippe Mateta into focus - with Foot Mercato in France now claiming that the Crystal Palace forward has met with Liverpool over a transfer this summer.

Mateta is under contract until 2027 at Selhurst Park and the 28-year-old could be available for €50m to €60m according to the report.

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“Liverpool are keen on Jean-Philippe Mateta,” a report reads. “There has been contact from the English champions regarding him. “Mateta and his agent also met with Liverpool representatives in Paris.”

Last season Mateta scored 14 Premier League goals and has also attracted the attention of Manchester United.

“Liverpool will nevertheless have to go on the offensive quickly, since Manchester United is a candidate for Mateta's signature,” the report continues.

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It looks like Liverpool are determined to move on from Darwin Nunez during this transfer window. If a suitor can be found then expect Richard Hughes to accelerate efforts to sign a replacement - with Mateta now a firm target in his sights.