Liverpool are likely to keep hold of Roberto Firmino this summer, but if he does end up departing, Jürgen Klopp has a replacement in mind.
That man is Stade Rennais’s Martin Terrier. The 25-year-old score 21 goals in Ligue 1 last season, his best on an individual level to date.
His performances have attracted much attention from the Premier League, with Liverpool far from alone in their pursuit of the Rennes man.
According to French outlet, L’Équipe, West Ham and Leeds are ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the Frenchman, with both clubs actively pushing to get the deal done.
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The Hammers are desperate to sign a striker to compete with Michail Antonio, and the they are also known to be tracking Gianluca Scamacca and Armando Broja.
Scamacca, who was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier in the summer, could cost up to £45 million.
Broja meanwhile is believed to be surplus to requirement at Chelsea after returning from his loan spell at Southampton. Newcastle are also believed to be interested in the Spaniard, but West Ham are believed to be the closest to signing him.
But Terrier could be the more cost-effective option for David Moyes’ side, rated at £30 million by Rennes.
As for Leeds, they have been notably active in the summer transfer window, spending almost £100 million on new signings.
The signing of Terrier would take them some way above that sum.
The Elland Road club of course have money to spend having offloaded Raphinha and Calvin Phillips for a combined fee of an £96 million, which could rise through add-ons.
Terrier would compete with the injury-stricken Patrick Bamford who started just 7 games for Leeds last term.
And for now at least, Liverpool don’t really need Terrier.
They have sufficient depth in attacking areas and it’d be in their best interests to keep hold of Firmino for another year.
Darwin Nuñez has caused some angst at Anfield with some worrying pre-season outings and thus having a proven Premier League player as an alternative starting option in Firmino would be wise.
It would appear Leeds and West Ham will be given a free run at Terrier for the time being.
Topics: Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Roberto Firmino
Robert Worthington