Liverpool and PSG prepared to do battle over Argentine ace

Having been linked with a move to Liverpool earlier this year, speculation has now intensified over Lucas Alario’s potential Anfield arrival. But the Reds could face stiff competition from PSG, who are also believed to be keen on the River Plate striker.

The Argentine forward has netted 22 times in 49 games since joining Los Millonarios in 2015, including a crucial goal in last year’s Copa Libertadores finals, as River defeated Tigres UANL to lift the continent’s biggest prize for the third time.

A clinical finisher with real pace, his often-overlooked creativity would also be a big bonus for any potential suitor, with the 24-year-old chalking up six assists since joining the capital club from Colon.

With Daniel Sturridge potentially leaving Merseyside in January, and Jurgen Klopp keen to strengthen his squad as they make a genuine title tilt, adding Alario to their ranks would make plenty of sense.

However, PSG are even more in need of firepower up front. Unai Emery’s charges are sitting third in Ligue 1 right now, and have failed to score in three of their last 10 league outings. By contrast, that happened just four times in 2015-16.

In theory, Alario could be available at a bargain price, with Transfermarkt.co.uk putting his market value at £7.65m.

However, with Klopp and Emery set for a tug-of-war over the player in January, that price tag could balloon, with River Plate potentially receiving a sizeable sum for the Tostado native.

Next up for Liverpool is a home game against West Ham, with 2/7 for the hosts to enjoy a ninth win in ten games at Anfield.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing