Liverpool have supposedly started talks to try to win the race for Lille striker Jonathan David, whom the Reds are now 'serious contenders' to sign on a free transfer.
Despite sitting 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, the lack of a ruthless centre-forward has stuck out like a sore thumb for a Liverpool side so reliant on the attacking talents of Mohamed Salah.
Neither Diogo Jota nor Darwin Nunez have managed to impress under Arne Slot this season, only bagging 11 top-flight goals between them while right-winger Salah sits on a league-high 27 strikes.
Nunez in particular has been strongly linked with a move away after seeing a potential switch to Saudi Arabia blocked in January, while Salah's goals will also need replacing if he does not sign a new contract.
Funds should be made available for Liverpool to pursue a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window, and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak has been touted as a leading target, but he will likely prove far too expensive.
Liverpool 'initiate talks' to sign David
© Imago
Rather than pay between £120m and £150m to bring Isak to Anfield, the Reds could pay Lille nothing to sign David, as the Empire of the Kop claims that they are now genuine contenders for the Canadian.
David's future has been called into question for a couple of summers now, as he has never signed a contract extension with Lille and is set to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
With a terrific record of 23 goals and 10 assists from 43 games this season - including seven efforts in the Champions League alone - the 25-year-old will likely be at the centre of a wide-scale transfer tussle between Premier League and foreign clubs this summer.
Now, Liverpool have apparently 'initiated talks' with David's entourage, and Slot believes that the Canada international could thrive in his system thanks to his transitional skills, speed and accuracy in the final third.
David's attacking qualities are underlined by his consistency; he has netted at least 13 goals in each of his Ligue 1 campaigns and has now produced 107 goals and 27 assists in 226 matches for Les Dogues, whom he won the top-flight title with in 2020-21.
Which clubs are Liverpool battling for David deal?
© IconSport
As David is in the prime of his career and has proven his ability as a reliable goalscorer season in season out, Liverpool will not expect to win the race for his services without a fight.
The report adds that the Reds are just one of seven Premier League clubs pursuing a swoop for David, a list that also includes Newcastle United, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, all of whom might be able to offer him Champions League football next season too.
West Ham United have also been credited with an interest, although their lack of European prospects could prove damaging, while Barcelona may make a move if Robert Lewandowski leaves this summer.
Before Liverpool firmed up their interest in David, it was previously claimed that three of their Premier League rivals were in 'concrete' talks to sign the Canada international, who can expect a hefty increase on his weekly £31,500 wage at any new destination.
Ben Knapton
