Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to sign Lille striker Victor Osimhen - but face competition from Chelsea and Tottenham .
The 20-year-old centre-forward has scored nine goals in 17 Ligue 1 games for Lille so far this season, helping to fire his side up to third in the table.
That has attracted the attention of Premier League outfits, with Liverpool , Chelsea and Tottenham among "a host of clubs" interested in signing him, according to Sky Sports.
Nigeria international Osimhen is contracted to Lille until 2024 and so won't come cheap, with Transfermarkt estimating his value at £27million.
It is thought that Lille will not be willing to sell in the January transfer window as they focus on trying to qualify for next season's Champions League.
It remains to be seen whether the French club could be tempted to do a deal whereby they sell next month and then take the player back on loan for the rest of the season.
If Liverpool pursue their reported interest they would be looking at Osimhen as a long-term signing rather than one who would make an immediate impact on the team.
With Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah forming a fearsome first-choice front three, Liverpool would view him as a player who could provide back-up while being developed to one day replace one of the Reds forwards.
Liverpool have already stolen a march on their Premier League rivals by completing their first piece of January transfer business even before the window opens.
They have completed the £7.25m signing of Japan winger Takumi Minamino from Red Bull Salzburg on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Klopp said: “This is fabulous news – a wonderful signing. We are really, really happy about this.
“Takumi is a very quick, very clever player, he finds space between the lines. He is brave with the ball but also brave without the ball – a proper team player."
