Klopp considers topping Belgian club’s record sale for dream Mane heir

Jeremy Doku Belgium

Liverpool reportedly continue to hold an interest in Anderlecht forward Jeremy Doku, whose potential exit would make him the Belgian club’s record sale.

The parents of the 18-year-old revealed earlier this year how the Reds previously rejected the chance to sign him.

Doku met senior Liverpool figures including Jurgen Klopp and Steven Gerrard. However, Doku became “distracted” and Liverpool then “panicked”, causing the club to pull the plug on a deal.

More recent reports, though, have claimed Liverpool have rekindled their interest in the Belgian. Furthermore, Anderlecht’s CEO insisted he would need to receive a “crazy offer” to consider a sale.

Now, Het Belang van Limburg (via Sport Witness) claim that Anderlecht have set a €30million (£27.4million) asking price for their star player.

Anderlecht are not keen to sell but are aware that a deal would “significantly reduce” their €95million (£87million) debts. The Belgian champions, like countless clubs across Europe, are counting the cost of the pandemic.

While Liverpool have yet to firm up their interest, the source insists the Reds doing so cannot be ruled out.

Jeremy Doku

Should Doku leave, he would become Anderlecht’s club-record sale. That accolade currently belongs to Youri Tielemans, following the Leicester star’s 2017 move to Monaco.

As previously noted by Doku’s parents, Klopp continues to see the forward as his dream successor to Sadio Mane.

However, should Liverpool make a firm approach, Anderlecht could complicate a deal.

The Belgian club reportedly insist on receiving a tempting “transfer formula”. Indeed, their preference is for Doku to return to Belgium on loan this season if he does leave on a permanent deal.

In the shorter-term, Klopp has found key back-up to Mane and his fellow Liverpool forwards in Diogo Jota. The former Wolves forward has moved to Anfield for an initial £41million.

Klopp finalises Wijnaldum exit plan

Wijnaldum Mane TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Liverpool will allow Georginio Wijnaldum to leave on a free transfer next summer, according to a report.

The Dutchman has entered the final year of his contract, with speculation suggesting extension talks have broken down.

Now, fresh reports claim the Reds have reached an agreement with Wijnaldum to allow him to play out the final year of his deal, before seeking a new challenge.

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