Liverpool launch transfer enquiry for PSV forward after Ibrahim Sangare approach

Liverpool are looking at PSV’s Johan Bakayoko (Image: Getty) Liverpool are understood to have lodged initial enquiries over a surprise move for PSV attacker Johan Bakayoko. The 20-year-old Belgian, who can also operate out wide on the flanks, enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season last term as he struck five times and registered five assists in 23 outings for the Eredivisie side. Liverpool have already been sniffing around PSV after previously signing Cody Gakpo in the January transfer window. The Reds are also said to have asked for information on Ibrahim Sangare, PSV’s industrious central midfielder, as they continue to target reinforcements in the middle of the park. But now Eindhoven Dagblad are reporting that Liverpool have joined the fight for highly-rated prospect Bakayoko. The Belgian has previously been courted by Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the transfer window but a move failed to come to fruition. Burnley have also looked at PSV winger Johan Bakayoko (Image: Getty) Burnley and Everton have also been linked in the past week but the Clarets are now believed to have retracted their interest over Bakayoko’s price tag. PSV are keen to hold onto the attacker after already losing Xavi Simons to PSG but ultimately, their hands will be tied if they receive a suitable. Liverpool’s current focus is on strengthening their midfield after losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho following their transfers to Saudi Arabia. Sangare is thought to be rated by the Reds and he has a release clause worth in the region of £30m written into his current contract with PSV. Sofyan Amrabat is also an option for Jurgen Klopp despite Manchester United’s interest in the Fiorentina man. There has been a breakthrough in the past 24 hours as far as new recruits are concerned, however with Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo due to undergo a medical on Merseyside on Thursday. A £15.4m deal has now been struck for the Japan international, who is known for his ball-winning ability and energy in the middle of the park. Liverpool have been forced to think outside of the box after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Anfield legend Jamie Carragher thinks the Reds need more than just a defensive midfielder. He told Sky Sports he feels Liverpool also need to improve at centre-back, adding: “The big worry for me with Liverpool is defensively. The last action sums it up as they had a corner and they nearly conceded a goal at the other end. “Liverpool need a holding midfielder. They need a real defender, an out-and-out defender who can play right across that back four.” The Reds host Bournemouth at Anfield this weekend in their first home match of the new Premier League season.