Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has turned his attention to RB Leipzig star Emil Forsberg, after growing resigned to missing out on Christian Pulisic.
Borussia Dortmund starlet Pulisic has been a long-time target for the Reds boss, however BVB have continually reiterated their stance that the 18-year-old American winger is not for sale.
Liverpool saw an £11million bid rejected during the summer, hoping to profit on uncertainty surrounding the player’s position at Dortmund, following his breakthrough in 2015-16, after the signings of Ousmane Dembele, Andre Schurrle and Emre Mor.
However Pulisic’s development has continued to accelerate under Thomas Tuchel this term, with the US international having made 18 appearances in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit.
Last month Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc told the Merseysiders that Pulisic - who has a deal at the Westfalenstadion until 2019 - is going nowhere.
"We have communicated very clearly that we won't sell Christian and that he's very much part of our plans," declared Zorc. "Liverpool don't need to waste time. They can save their money.”
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Now with the Reds ready to strengthen their title challenge in January, Klopp has turned his attention to Swedish international Forsberg.
The 25-year-old has shone for RBL since joining from Swedish side Malmo in January 2015 for £3million.
And after playing a major part in their promotion to the top flight last season, the versatile attacking midfielder has made a splash in the Bundesliga.
Forsberg has bagged five goals and created nine others in his 15 appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side so far, and for many has been the division’s standout player in the first half of the season - despite his recent sending off in the 3-0 loss at Bayern.
Valued at £20million, Forsberg has 24 caps for his country, scoring three goals.
And while the Red Bull-backed club have little need to cash in, sporting director Ralf Rangnick has previously made clear to the club’s crop of young players that they will evaluate transfer offers from elite clubs, which they deem offer value for money and progression for the player’s career.
Yet a January signing looks tricky given RBL's rise to second in the table, and their hopes of securing a top four finish after their outstanding start to the season.
As such, the Liverpool boss may have to bide his time over a player long known to him.
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Klopp received a number of scouting reports on him during his time as Dortmund boss, when Forsberg was plying his trade in his homeland.
And now Reds scouts have been to check him out in action for RBL this season. Meanwhile, the player's agent has already revealed that he has held talks with "major clubs".
“I have already been in meetings with major clubs regarding Forsberg," Hasan Cetinkaya told Aftonbladet in December.
"I have a picture in front of me. I will also be meeting with RB Leipzig.
“One must not forget that RB are also becoming a big club. They have done fantastic, fighting for the title and heading towards the Champions League.”