Liverpool’s long-standing interest in PSV Eindhoven forward Johan Bakayoko could finally bear fruit. The Reds have been tracking the winger since Jurgen Klopp was in charge at Anfield, and a key break in this summer’s business could bring him one step closer to Merseyside.

A path to the player seems to be opening up as RB Leipzig – who has also been linked with a move for the Belgian international – appear to have cooled their interest. That’s after the Bundesliga club secured a move for Club Brugge’s Antonio Nusa in a £19million deal.

In theory, that would leave Liverpool boss Arne Slot free to pursue Bakayoko, with one fewer rival in the running. It’s understood the Reds see the 21-year-old as a potential successor to Mohamed Salah, who has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent transfer windows.

Despite being a key figure at Anfield since 2017, Salah’s contract is set to expire in less than a year. He was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in 2023, and rumours continue to swirl regarding interest from the Middle East.

While Liverpool have talents like Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott, none have yet matched Salah’s impressive stats. However, if they’re to succeed with a move for Bakayoko, The Mirror report Liverpool may have to beat competition from Borussia Dortmund.

PSV’s in-demand winger is understood to have a price tag of around £40m. The prospect has grabbed attention far and wide after a stellar 2023/24 campaign, which saw him score 14 goals and record 14 assists across all competitions.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed on English shores, with Brentford and Burnley pursuing him in the past. However, the player may be considered outside both of their scopes in the current climate.

Liverpool‘s search for attacking reinforcements has intensified following the £27.5m departure of Fabio Carvalho to Brentford. New boss Slot, who succeeded the legendary Klopp, is yet to introduce any fresh talent into the fold as of yet, with the Premier League season set to kick off this weekend.

However, ahead of their season-opener against Ipswich Town, Slot addressed the Reds’ transfer activity – or lack thereof – with a calm response. He told reporters: “I think as a club like we are, we are always looking if we can strengthen the squad. But it’s not so easy to strengthen the squad if you see both games today.”

“I’ve said many times before that I’ve inherited a really strong team, and if we can and if we think it’s possible, we will strengthen the squad. But only if we think we can and if it’s possible.”

Martin Zubimendi has since rejected the chance to become Slot’s first signing while the Liverpool recruitment team have reportedly been told to look at attacking options with as many as two fresh faces – a striker and a wide forward – potentially joining by the end of the window.