Liverpool have reportedly made an enquiry into the future of midfielder Jordon Ibe, who has scored 13 goals in just 20 games this season.
The club are keen to bolster their attacking options this summer and have already made a number of signings, but have not yet made any moves.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he is looking to add more attacking options to the squad ahead of next season, with Ibe’s availability in the summer of 2019 the main target.
“We have some options,” said Klopp.
“In January, we have another player who’s also a very talented player.
So we will see what we can do and we are not alone in this.
We have players that are very talented, and I think it’s important to look at the other options, to see what’s available.”
Ibe, 27, has enjoyed a fruitful campaign at Anfield since his move to Anfield from Liverpool last summer, scoring 14 goals in his first 13 appearances for the club.
However, with his form ebbing away this season, he is now likely to be sold in the near future, with the club keen to add to their attacking line-up ahead of the new season.
“I’ve already spoken to [Ibe’s agent], and he has said that he would like to leave Liverpool and that he wants to go to Manchester United,” said a Liverpool source.
“The only way that would happen is if Liverpool are willing to pay a big transfer fee for him.
So there’s no way that I would leave Liverpool for Manchester United.”
It is believed that Ibe is on the verge of agreeing a £7m move to United, who are also looking to bolster an attacking line up ahead of this summer’s transfer window.
However it is not the first time the Reds have been linked with a move for the player.
In 2015, they were linked with moves for winger Jordon Vanslaar and winger Naby Keita, who both went on to sign new contracts at Old Trafford.
With Ibe joining Liverpool from West Ham, the club are expected to offer around £12m for the midfielder, who can play in a wide variety of positions.
However Liverpool are unlikely to move for any of these players this summer, with Klopp’s priority now likely being bolstering his attacking options ahead of a major transfer window in the coming weeks.