Liverpool are reportedly 'edging closer' to the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue following the French champions' capture of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Reds and PSG appeared to be in direct competition to land Kvaratskhelia earlier in the January transfer window after it was confirmed that the Georgian attacker was pushing to leave Napoli.
Liverpool ultimately did not follow up their interest, giving PSG a clear run at Kvaratskhelia, who joined Luis Enrique's side on a long-term deal a couple of months back.
According to the Anfield Watch, Kvaratskhelia's arrival in the French capital could negatively impact some of the existing attackers in the French champions' ranks, including the highly-rated Doue.
The former Rennes man only made the move to the Parc des Princes from Les Rouges et Noir for £41.6m last summer, and he has already made a positive impact with three goals and seven assists in 27 matches across all competitions.
Liverpool 'closely monitoring' Doue situation
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That tally includes assists in each of his last three Champions League appearances, including against Manchester City in PSG's astonishing 4-2 comeback triumph earlier this month.
However, Doue has only started seven matches in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 campaign, and the report claims that the 19-year-old is already growing 'unsettled' by his situation in the French capital.
Arne Slot's side are said to have been running the rule over Doue for some time and are now paying extremely close attention to his situation, as the 2005-born attacker is already open to moving on.
Liverpool should not expect an easy ride in negotiations with PSG, though, as Doue is contracted to the Ligue 1 champions until 2029 and is a regular presence for the club on the field, even if starts are difficult to come by.
Nevertheless, Slot is said to view Doue as the perfect 'project player' for his system, and his situation is one to watch for the summer transfer window as the winter market prepares to slam shut.
Could Doue replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool?
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At Doue's tender age, the Olympic silver medallist is still figuring out where his best position lies, meaning that he has gleaned experience in virtually all areas of the frontline so far.
Doue has featured as a right winger, left winger, attacking midfielder and centre-forward during the 2024-25 campaign, and his competence in the former role means that he could either challenge or replace Mohamed Salah.
Liverpool and the Egypt international are yet to make a breakthrough in talks over a new contract, meaning that Salah is still free to leave this summer and can engage in pre-contract talks with foreign clubs.
The Reds are still working to strike an agreement with Salah's camp, but if negotiations fail to bear fruit, having both Doue and an improving Federico Chiesa at the ready would make the transition slightly smoother.
Ben Knapton
