Liverpool target Maghnes Akliouche is reportedly learning English, with the AS Monaco star open to a Premier League move. The Reds made an enquiry to the Ligue 1 side over the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
The ECHO understands that contact was made with Monaco earlier in the transfer window as they assessed the market to check on the availability of the France international. Paris Saint-Germain, who have rivalled Liverpool for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, have reportedly saw three bids for the 29-goal attacker rebuffed, with the most recent offer in the region of £34million.
Akliouche open to Premier League move
According to PA Sports' George Sessions, Akliouche is open to a Premier League move and has been learning English in recent months. However, PSG are leading the race to sign the winger, with a bid already rejected, as they continue assessing targets.
Victor Munoz will enter the fray after returning from his break following Spain's World Cup exploits, but Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola made it clear that they need to sign a winger this summer.
Iraola confirms need for winger
The 44-year-old said: "No, I think it is difficult to say a number when the market is open. You have to be always open to new options to improve the squad. There are obvious situations where we need to sign players. A winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have. We have some tricky positions where we have injured players, that we trust, but it is still not the ideal situation, so it will depend on a lot of things."
Akliouche's profile fits Liverpool targets
Akliouche's profile fits the type of player that Liverpool traditionally target in the market as he has over 100 senior appearances under his belt. He has 23 goals and 28 assists in 139 outings for Monaco, while he was part of Didier Deschamps' side at the World Cup, taking his total caps to 10 for Les Bleus.
Liverpool's interest and pursuit of a winger has been no secret following Mohamed Salah's exit. There was a willingness to pay £86m for Diomande, however the Ivorian has expressed a desire to make the move to PSG – which has yet to transpire. Meanwhile, a list of options has been drawn, which includes Bradley Barcola, Matias Fernandez-Parod and Koln's Said El Mala.
