Liverpool boast one of the top front lines in world football, but Jurgen Klopp could be about to boost his options further during the transfer window with Takumi Minamino.
The RB Salzburg forward has impressed during two Champions League group games this season, and the 24-year-old Japan international may be about to move to Anfield for a cut-down price this winter.
Here's what we know so far...
Standard Sport reported on Thursday morning that Liverpool were closing in on a January move for Minamino, with Klopp a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old.
RB Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund confirmed later in the day that the two clubs are in talks over a deal for the forward.
Freund has described it as 'an honour' that one of Salzburg's star men has attracted interest from the reigning European champions.
"I can confirm that there are currently discussions with Liverpool," said Freund. "It is an honour which clubs are interested in our players."
Now, only personal terms and a medical stand in the way of Minamino being unveiled as Liverpool’s latest signing.
How much would he cost?
Minamino has a release clause of £7.25million - and Liverpool's transfer chiefs consider that a snip for a player they believe is worth as much as three times that figure.
Who else wants Minamino?
Liverpool have been forced to move quickly by interest from former Salzburg boss Marco Rose, now at Borussia Monchengladbach, and the knowledge that AC Milan sent scouts to Tuesday's Champions League game specifically to watch Minamino.
The Merseyside club's desire to see off Premier League rivals Manchester United, who are believed to have been considering the Japanese as an alternative to Leicester City star James Maddison, also played a role.
Stats
Minamino has scored 63 goals in 192 appearances for the Austrian champions since arriving from Cerezo Osaka in 2014.
He has also been prolific at international level, netting 11 times in just 22 games for Japan following a 2015 debut against Iran.
How did he play against Liverpool?
The 24-year-old scored a stunning volley as Salzburg fought back from three goals down to draw level before losing a 4-3 thriller at Anfield.
He was also prominent in a 2-0 defeat to the Reds in Austria on Tuesday evening - a result that sent Jurgen Klopp's team into the knockout stages at the expense of their hosts.
What does the deal say about Liverpool's transfer plans?
After Sadio Mane signed for Southampton from Salzburg in 2014, there were suggestions that Liverpool hadn’t entered the race for his signature because their scouting model couldn’t properly quantify the value of performing in the Austrian Bundesliga.
The speedy progression of negotiations owes much to sporting director Michael Edwards, who enjoys a close relationship with his RB Salzburg counterpart Christoph Freund.
However, interest in Minamino comfortably pre-dates that alliance being struck up, with the Reds’ recruitment staff having kept tabs on his progress since he burst onto the scene with Cerezo Osaka in his homeland.
What about Klopp's other options?
Minamino’s January arrival is likely to prompt a reshuffle of Klopp’s squad, with youngsters Curtis Jones and Rhian Brewster both now expected to make loan moves to Championship clubs.
