‘Unplayable’ Liverpool target could be available for £18million

With Liverpool flying high in the Premier League and already through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, Reds fans have huge reason for optimism as we enter the busiest period of the season. 

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now third in the table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea, and face Merseyside rivals Everton on Wednesday evening.

The Reds are aiming to bounce back from the disappointment of last season’s third-placed finish by challenging for the title once again, having won it for the first time two seasons ago.

Much of Liverpool’s success both this season and in recent ones has been down to the prolific form of Mohamed Salah, who once again leads the Premier League’s scoring charts.

The Egyptian tops the table with 11 goals in 13 games so far, and also leads the way in terms of assists, setting up eight goals for his teammates.

Salah’s teammates Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane have also been in sensational scoring form, both having scored seven goals so far, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is second in the assist charts, trailing Salah by one.

However, there could be challenges approaching for Liverpool and Klopp, as the German faces the prospect of losing a number of players to the African Cup of Nations in January.

Joel Matip, Naby Keita, Mane and Salah could all be way at AFCON for as long as a month, potentially leaving Klopp short in a number of areas, particularly up front.

With that in mind, Liverpool have been linked with a number of players in recent months and, despite their lack of dealings in the last transfer window, it appears that they may be plotting a move for a fellow Premier League attacker.

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have been made aware that Wolves have lowered their asking price for long-term Reds target Adama Traore.

Klopp has previously heaped praise on Traore.

The dynamic winger has been a target for Liverpool for a few years now, with Klopp having admitted his admiration for the player, previously calling him “unplayable“.

Liverpool were deterred from completing a deal for the player over the summer, as Wolves demanded a huge £50 million for the player, who has just 18 months remaining on his current contract.

Now, however, the midlands club are reportedly prepared to let the Spanish international go for as little as £20 million, with a deal even possible at £18 million.

The 25-year-old has started just seven games so far this term, and is apparently regarded as expendable by Bruno Lage.

Klopp, meanwhile, could be keen on a move for Traore at his new price, with the pacy attacker regarded as a good fit for the German’s system at Anfield.

When Mane and Salah travel to AFCON, Klopp will be left with only Roberto Firmino, Jota and Takumi Minamino as recognised forwards.

With the January window fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool and Klopp will make a move for Traore in January.