Liverpool in AFCON dilemma over Mo Salah and Sadio Mane exits and could be forced into fast-tracking Doku transfer
LIVERPOOL could reportedly fast-track their plans to bring Rennes winger Jeremy Doku to Anfield in January.
That is because star forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to represent Egypt and Senegal respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament – which is to be held in Cameroon – will take place between January 9 and February 6, with a number of Premier League stars to feature.
And top-flight clubs could be without their African players from as early as December 27, though managers will be looking to to negotiate a compromise to release their players later.
Jurgen Klopp has spoke of his frustration at losing Salah and Mane as he admitted he is powerless to stop them going.
He said: “We knew it (Salah and Mane’s absences), we have to deal with it and we will deal with it. How? We will see in January.
“People now say we have to sign two strikers with the same quality of Sadio and Mo.
“That cannot be a solution as we cannot do that, so we have to find a solution for that in January.”
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But according to the Express, Klopp may bring in just one forward – Rennes ace Doku.
They state that the Merseyside outfit could accelerate their plans to sign the Belgium international, who they have been keeping tabs on since Euro 2020.
Liverpool are already believed to be in pole position to secure the services of the 19-year-old in 2022.
It is understood that the Ligue 1 outfit would be prepared to part ways with Doku should they receive a fee in the region of £38million.
Doku has featured in just four games for Rennes this term, with the player without a goal or an assist.
He hasn’t played since August 22 having picked up hamstring and knee injuries.