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Liverpool is on the hunt for a new striker this summer, with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike topping the Reds' wish list. After already splashing out over $250 million (£200m) in the transfer window, the club is now ramping up its efforts to strengthen their forward line.
Liverpool is yet to officially table an offer for Isak or approach Newcastle United, but there's a growing sense that he could be enticed by a fresh challenge at Anfield.
If the Reds fail to coax Isak away from St. James' Park, they may consider making a move for Ekitike - especially as Newcastle is already in discussions with Eintracht Frankfurt about a record-breaking transfer for the Frenchman.
However, these aren't the only strikers linked with Liverpool. It was reported on Tuesday that Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Joao Pedro have also caught the club's eye.
It was also highlighted that Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is a player admired by Reds sporting director Richard Hughes during his time at AFC Bournemouth.
This doesn't necessarily mean Liverpool would pursue the Senegal international. However, with the Blues having already secured the signatures of Pedro and Liam Delap this summer, Jackson's future at Stamford Bridge remains unclear.
Hughes' admiration for Jackson extended beyond mere appreciation. While at Bournemouth, the ex-Scotland international had actually sealed a deal to sign the striker.
Jackson was on Villarreal's roster when the Cherries struck a $27M (£20.3m) agreement to bring the forward on board in January 2023.
It appeared that Jackson was destined for Southampton, but Hughes acted swiftly to capture his signature. The deal progressed to the point where Jackson was spotted boarding a private jet, heading to the UK to wrap up the transfer.
However, the move to Bournemouth fell through after Jackson failed his medical due to a hamstring injury. With the club embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle, they decided against taking the risk of waiting for the forward to regain fitness, especially after learning he would be sidelined for an extended period.
Jackson made a comeback in March and netted 10 goals in his last 11 matches of the season for Villarreal. His impressive form didn't go unnoticed, culminating in a $43M (£32m) switch to Chelsea in June 2023.
During his goal-scoring run in Spain, the forward acknowledged the difficulty he faced when his Premier League transfer collapsed.
"I'm happy now. I was injured, but now I'm playing and enjoying it," he expressed. "Everything happens for a reason, and I'm happy to be able to take advantage of this opportunity".
Later, Bournemouth's owner Bill Foley would concede that not signing Jackson was a misstep on their part.
"We tried to get him back this year, we had him last year and I believe we made a mistake," he admitted. "He didn't pass his medical but actually he played much sooner than we thought he would."
Now at 24, Jackson has notched up 30 goals in 81 appearances for Chelsea, contributing to their triumphs in the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League.
Yet, he's faced criticism after being sent off in matches against Newcastle United and Flamengo, and his finishing abilities have been scrutinized during his stint at Stamford Bridge.
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