Liverpool deploy top scout to watch World Cup attacker looking to outshine Ronaldo with Klopp primed to make new blockbuster transfer

Liverpool will make another check on one of African football’s brightest talents during Thursday’s World Cup action as they ponder a blockbuster move for his services in January, claims a report.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has invested heavily on his attack in recent years with Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and most recently Darwin Nunez all arriving for significant fees. Indeed, the capture of Uruguayan striker Nunez will set Liverpool back a club-record fee of £85m if bonuses are met.

Despite the combined signings costing Liverpool around £177m, there are suggestions the Reds are not done yet. Indeed, with Roberto Firmino’s deal currently due to expire at the end of the season, there remains question marks over his long-term future.

And while Klopp would like to cement the ‘heart and soul of Liverpool’ to another deal, the Brazilian is eligible to negotiate terms with interested overseas suitors in just 39 days time.

As such, the Reds are potentially seeking potential names who could come into their attack to replace the popular Firmino.

Now, according to Sports World Ghana, Liverpool will deploy their top scout to watch Mohammed Kudus in action for Ghana on Thursday.

They open their World Cup campaign against Portugal in Group H, with Kudus a likely starter. In fact, Kudus will carry plenty of his nation’s hopes on his back. Not only will be be looking to continue his electric form so far this season into the World Cup, he will also be looking to grab the attention away from Cristiano Ronaldo.

The veteran superstar will have all eyes focused on him after his dramatic exit at Manchester United this week. Speculation over his next club is gathering pace, though Kudus will be hoping to steal the headlines away from him.

Mohammed Kudus in rich form for Ajax

Kudus’ form has this season has certainly attracted attention. He has nine goals to his name from 20 appearances this season. And that tally also includes four goals and two assists from six Champions League games.

One of his most eye-catching strikes came during a 2-1 defeat at Anfield, with the Ghananian rifling a stunning shot into the roof of the net from distance.

That form has seen the likes of Everton and Tottenham take note. Indeed, Tottenham director Fabio Paratici is among those tipped to keep a close watch on Kudus’ performances in Qatar.

However, reports now claim that race is being led by Liverpool. It’s claimed Klopp has been tracking Kudus’ displays since that day. And his admiration for the 22-year-old is seemingly growing by the week.

Now the Merseysiders will reportedly despatch their top scout to take in the Group H clash with Portugal.

Per the report, Klopp is ‘hopeful of bringing him to Anfield in January’.

Kudus has been pushed into a more advanced role at Ajax this season, playing further forward than last season. Operating as an attacking midfielder last term, he managed just two goal involvements from 18 appearances.

However, this season – benefitting from Antony’s sale to Manchester United – Kudus is operating in more of a No 10 role. And the Ghananian star has responded with some quality performances for the Amsterdammers.

As a result, it’s little surprise to see managers such as Klopp sit up and take notice of his performances.

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