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Liverpool identify priority deal for the summer as striker's contract comes into focus
LIVERPOOL are prioritising negotiating a new contract for Divock Origi this summer with a strong chance the striker could leave Anfield.
Liverpool: Divock Origi 'excited' for new season
Origi became an unlikely hero for Liverpool last season after popping up with vital - usually late - goals in the Premier League and Champions League.
The Belgian striker scored a brace in the epic European semi-final second-leg against Barcelona before sealing the big-eared trophy with an 87th minute strike against Tottenham in the final.
Jurgen Klopp, given the success of his squad, is not scurrying to sign too many names this summer but wants to sort out Origi’s future as soon as possible.
The Belgian has one year remaining on his Anfield deal and has thus far resisted Liverpool’s riches.
It is believed the player is more concerned with assurances about playing time rather than money.
Roberto Firmino is Klopp’s first-choice centre-forward and that is not likely to change, however.
Origi will, therefore, be important in pre-season and his value at the club has increased since Daniel Sturridge left for free earlier in the window.
Origi’s position is in stark contrast to last summer when Liverpool could not sell him because clubs were put off by their asking price.
The 24-year-old signed for Liverpool in 2015 and has scored 28 goals in 97 appearances.
While no marquee names seem on their way to The Reds, Klopp is closing in on his second young summer signing after Dutch centre-back Sepp van den Berg.
Divock Origi: Liverpool need ‘better quality’ says Burley
Harvey Elliott, the youngest ever play to feature in the Premier League will leave Fulham after rejecting a scholarship at the London club.
The Merseyside club will pay Fulham a hefty compensation for their part in Elliott’s development.