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Lille’s stance on Liverpool target Victor Osimhen as Jurgen Klopp plots January transfer
Liverpool are interested in signing Lille forward Victor Osimhen as the January transfer window approaches.
Victor Osimhen scores incredible goal for Lille OSC
Lille are resigned to losing Victor Osimhen as Liverpool step up their interest in the attacker but want to keep him until the summer at least. Osimhen has scored 10 Ligue 1 goals this season, aiding Lille’s bid to qualify for the Champions League.
The Nigerian international was signed for £10.8million from Belgian side Charleroi in August but his value has increased following a host of impressive performances.
Liverpool have kept tabs on Osimhen and Jurgen Klopp is understood to have demanded detailed scouting reports on the player.
Other Premier League clubs are also thought to be monitoring the 21-year-old, which has left Lille bracing themselves for an onslaught of bids.
However, Express Sport understands that the French side have accepted they will have to sell on their prized asset but want to keep him at the Stade Pierre Mauroy until the summer.
JUST IN: Liverpool step up Victor Osimhen interest with Jurgen Klopp keen on transfer - EXCLUSIVE
As a result, they will be resisting January bids for the attacker.
Lille will be able to demand a high price for Osimhen when they decide to enter talks with interested parties.
The player signed a five-year contract upon joining the club in August, securing his services until 2024.
Klopp wants to bolster his forward line with young blood in order to add depth to his Champions League-winning squad.
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Osimhen predominantly plays as a centre-forward but the right-footer can also play on the wings.
Another adaptable forward, Takumi Minamino, will officially join Liverpool from Red Bull Salzburg on January 1.
The Japan international convinced Liverpool recruiters he was worth £7.25m after scoring at Anfield during a 4-3 Champions League loss in October.
Osimhen also scored against an English club in the competition this season - netting in a home loss against Chelsea.
Liverpool announce the signing of Takumi Minamino
Minamino’s arrival may delay the need for Osimhen, though, given some of the similarities they share.
“Takumi is a very quick, very clever player, he finds space between the lines,” Klopp said.
“He is brave with the ball but also brave without the ball – a proper team player. He makes the best of himself for the benefit of others.
“His Champions League experience is a big bonus and coming from the club and organisation he does, we know he’ll be well-coached, used to an elite environment and had all the right experiences.”