Liverpool have got off to a promising start to the 2016-17 season, but are on the lookout for top players who can provide back-up to their current attacking trio
The front three of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have been working wonders for the Reds this season. However, they have had to make do without Coutinho, who has just returned to training after suffering a horrific ankle injury against Sunderland last month.
Yet, his arrival will not see the reunion of the attacking trio last too long. Senegalese winger Sadio Mane will leave to play in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) this winter, and this leaves a gaping hole in right-wing for the Reds to fill.
Liverpool have now been linked with Crystal Palace attacker Wilfried Zaha, as they look to find a back-up for Mane. Football Whispers claim that they have exclusive information from a club source that Zaha has been scouted by Liverpool, and that the Anfield outfit are prepared to sanction a big money move for the 24-year-old.
Liverpool will have to stave off competition from another Premier League club in Tottenham Hotspur though. Spurs were very interested in securing Zaha this past summer, and even reportedly offered Palace £25 million for the player, only to be rejected by the Eagles.
Wilfried Zaha was one of the final signings made by legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and was very highly rated by the Scotsman. He was signed for a reported £10 million in 2013, but his career at Old Trafford flattered only to deceive.
In August 2014, he returned to his first club Crystal Palace after just four appearances and no goals for Manchester United in one full season.
The 24-year-old has been phenomenal for the Eagles so far this season though, scoring three goals and notching up six assists in 15 appearances. This is already the best tally in his professional career, and Zaha looks to be in prime form to get more.
Liverpool would get a like-for-like replacement for Mane should they sign Zaha. However, the situation is complicated by the 24-year-old’s international allegiances.
Zaha has appeared for the England national team, but has recently requested to be allowed to play for the country of his birth, the Ivory Coast. In response to this, England manager Gareth Southgate has stated that he will try to convince Zaha to stay.
This may well be a deciding factor for Liverpool, as Zaha will probably be playing in the AFCON as well, should FIFA ratify the switch.
