"Don't rule it out" - Sporting director confirms January transfer possible for Liverpool target

Red Bull Salzburg forward Noah Okafor has been linked with a move to Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window and the Austrian club's sporting director Christoph Freund has opened up on the possibility of a potential move.

Okafor, 22, has been in great form for Salzburg this season and has subsequently been linked to the likes of Jurgen Klopp's side, as well as Manchester City and AC Milan.

The centre-forward's form has seen him be rewarded with a place in Switzerland's World Cup squad this month, with Okafor and his nation due to face Cameroon, Serbia and many people's favourites Brazil in Group G.

Manchester United have also previously been credited with an interest in the player but are reportedly not in for the attacker according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

Plettenberg has claimed negotiations are yet to take place over a transfer but a move for the Swiss international could be on the cards once the winter window opens on January 1.

What has Salzburg's sporting director said?

Plettenberg relayed quotes from Freund on the subject of Okafor's future, as he revealed that he will not rule out the possibility of a move in the New Year.

"Okafor really took off last year," he said.

"I hope he plays a good World Cup, then the stock Noah Okafor can become very interesting. I don't rule it out."

Okafor currently has a contract until 2024 with Salzburg, and therefore the club are in no rush to sell. However, Sky Germany report that a bid in the region of €35-40m could be enough for Liverpool to get their man.

When asked where his future may lie, he previously told Calciomercato: “Preferences for the future? No.

“Whether it’s England, Spain, Italy or Germany, every league and every club has a particular charm. When there is something concrete we will evaluate.”