Liverpool are interested in signing Villarreal star Arnaut Danjuma but they are unlikely to pursue a move in the summer transfer window.
The Netherlands international has impressed in his first season in Spain under the stewardship of former Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain manager Unai Emery.
GOAL report that the former Bournemouth man has been earmarked as a future replacement for Sadio Mane who turns 30 on Sunday, when Jurgen Klopp’s side travel to the Etihad Stadium for the crucial top of the table clash against Manchester City.
The 25-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided four assists from 29 matches across all competitions this season.
The pacey and tricky winger has excelled in the Champions League in-particular with six goals and one assist from nine matches.
Danjuma netted the winner in last night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Despite only joining in the summer, Danjuma is Villarreal’s all-time top scorer in the Champions League.
With Mane’s contract at Anfield expiring next summer, Klopp has identified the six-time Netherlands international as the Senegalese’s replacement.
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The German is gradually revamping his forward line following the addition of Luis Diaz in January and with Diogo Jota going from strength-to-strength on Merseyside, the former Borussia Dortmund boss looks to be putting together yet another formidable trio.
Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have spearheaded Liverpool’s success in recent years, but Klopp is quietly putting plans in place to ensure his side are planning for life after them.
Danjuma said this week that he believes he is one of the top players in his position around at the moment, telling The Guardian: “it’s quite fair and factual to say I’m among the best wingers in the world”.
Against Manchester United at Old Trafford in September, Danjuma terrorised Diogo Dalot and Michael Owen lauded his performance. “He was absolutely exceptional [at Old Trafford],” Owen said on BT Sport.
Danjuma’s contract with the Yellow Submarine doesn’t expire until 2026 and with his stock continuing to rise with his eye-catching performances on the biggest stage, Liverpool and Klopp will be hoping that other top clubs enter the race to sign him.