Liverpool look all set to be in the market for a new centre-forward to lead their line this summer.
The Reds have scored far more than any other side in the Premier League this season, but have been a little too reliant on Mohamed Salah at times.
Thankfully, Salah looks set to sign a new contract and stay at Liverpool for another two seasons, taking the pressure off Richard Hughes and Arne Slot to replace the Egyptian.
However, Mo could do with some help and Liverpool’s remit should be to find a central striker who can contribute more than Darwin Nunez.
In this respect, Rousing The Kop understands Alexander Isak is the top target for Liverpool. But although Liverpool are confident they can sign Isak, he may just as likely stay at Newcastle.
As a result, the Reds need an alternative or two. And according to Give Me Sport, their data boffins have put forward two interesting names.
Liverpool looking at Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike
Ask supporters who they would like to see replace Nunez at Anfield this summer and many would say Isak without hesitation.
According to Give Me Sport, though, the Reds are aware that it may ultimately prove to be impossible to get the Swede this summer.
Consequently, they claim that Liverpool are looking elsewhere, leaning on their data-driven approach to suggest the right candidates.
This has reportedly led scouts to suggesting two options for Slot: Joao Pedro of Brighton and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. Both players are now claimed to be active targets for Liverpool.
READ MORE: How close Mohamed Salah can get to breaking Ian Rush’s goal-scoring record with two more years at Liverpool
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | |
| Joao Pedro | 28 | 8 | 7 |
| Hugo Ekitike | 40 | 19 | 8 |
Pedro has been valued at £100m by Brighton having hit 28 goals in 68 appearances since joining in 23.
Meanwhile, Ekitike has a £67m price-tag after a stellar season in the Bundesliga with Eintracht.
Liverpool cool Liam Delap interest
As Pedro and Ekitike were being put forward as genuine options this summer, another potential target has seemingly been ruled out for the Reds.
Liverpool were said to be interested in Liam Delap of Ipswich, who will see a relatively inexpensive release clause come into effect at the end of the season.
According to The Athletic, though, Liverpool are ‘prioritising others’ over Delap as they search for the answer to their forward line.
With the options seemingly whittling down, the picture is becoming clearer for Liverpool as they reshape Salah’s support cast.
Isak is still most certainly on the table, but Pedro and Ekitike are worth keeping a watch over, too.
