11 names that Klopp may consider to bolster Liverpool attack this summer

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Liverpool will be in the market for a new striker in the summer transfer window but Jurgen Klopp is not looking to spend big on a new addition to his frontline.

Daniel Sturridge will leave on a free transfer once his contract ends and Klopp wants another alternative to Divock Origi and the emerging Rhian Brewster.

Liverpool have looked at 11 names so far.

BERTRAND TRAORE – LYON

A former Chelsea striker who left for Lyon after loan spells with Ajax and Vitesse in Holland.

Liverpool sent scouts to Lyon’s 3-0 win over Marseille on May 12 and the 2-2 draw with Lille on May 5 but Traore didn’t score in either. The 23-year-old has 10 goals for the season in 43 games.

MAXWEL CORNET – LYON

Another name surveyed on that scouting trip would have been Cornet and he fared a little better than team-mate Traore in scoring twice against Marseille.

He scored in both of Lyon’s Champions League games against Manchester City but could be just a little goal shy for Liverpool’s liking with eight strikes in 31 matches this season.

SAMUEL CHUKWUEZE – VILLARREAL

The Nigeria winger is one of Europe’s hot prospects at 19 years old and won the Under 17 World Cup with his country in 2015.

He has been compared to Arjen Robben due to his dribbling technique and featured regularly for Villarreal throughout the 2018-19 season where they finished 14th in La Liga and the quarter-final of the Europa League.

RYAN FRASER – BOURNEMOUTH

The Scotland international will be infamously remembered by Liverpool fans for his sensational Bournemouth substitute appearance in December 2016, where he propelled his side to a 4-3 win from 3-1 down at the Vitality stadium.

Now 25 and producing more consistent displays, Fraser has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United. A bidding war could make him one of the more expensive names on Klopp’s shortlist.

HAKIM ZIYECH – AJAX

One of the many impressive performers for Ajax in their run to the Champions League semi-final, Ziyech is also expected to be one of the many stars picked off from Ajax this summer.

He nearly averaged a goal every two games for Ajax last season, with 19 in 41 appearances so although a winger, he clearly possesses a goal threat. The perfect foil for the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah?

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TIMO WERNER – RED BULL LEIPZIG

The Germany striker has long been linked with a move to Liverpool but if a move from the red half of Merseyside doesn’t ever materialise, there will be plenty of other suitors across Europe.

Werner has scored 61 goals in 110 games for Leipzig since arriving at the club in 2016 from Stuttgart and established himself as a Germany international, where he has nine goals in 24 caps.

JOAO FELIX – BENFICA

Arguably the most exciting name and definitely the most expensive that Liverpool have considered. The 19-year-old is one of Europe’s most coveted talents after a stunning breakthrough season where he scored 18 goals in 33 games.

He reportedly has a release clause of £105m and while there is a desire not to spend big for the sake of it, Klopp has resources to dip into if the right calibre of player becomes available.

NICOLAS PEPE – LILLE

Manchester United and Arsenal also hold a strong interest in the Ivory Coast winger Pepe, who finished the season with 21 goals and 13 assists for Lille.

Manager Christophe Galtier has even confirmed he is leaving, telling Canal+: ‘Nicolas Pepe will leave. Life’s like that, football’s like that today.’

With a fee mooted in the £60m mark, it would be a surprise to see Liverpool enter the fray but it would be a coup to beat two rivals to a signing.

DAVID NERES – AJAX

Another Ajax hero, Brazil international Neres is being pursued by an array of Europe’s elite with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal all linked with a bid of around £40m.

The Ajax No 7 hit 10 goals in 41 to help his side win the Eredivisie and Dutch Cup.

FELIPE ANDERSON – WEST HAM

Another Brazil international with a burgeoning reputation, Anderson offers more of a Premier League proven option for Liverpool.

But West Ham will be expecting interest in one of their star men and will undoubtedly look to make a statement of ambition by holding on to him.

MAXI GOMEZ – CELTA VIGO

Liverpool asked about Gomez earlier in the year and interest in the forward has been cooled.

Arsenal also have him on their shortlist of options.

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