Liverpool are looking to replace Sadio Mane with a left-field option this summer, with Watford forward Joao Pedro the target, according to the Daily Mail.
The Senegalese forward is widely expected to leave Anfield this summer after winning six trophies in six years under Jurgen Klopp.
After the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, Mane has apparently expressed his desire for a new challenge. Bayern Munich are favourites to complete a £42.5m deal.
Advert
Pedro in contrast has scored 13 goals in 74 matches for the twice-relegated Hornets, and at just 20, is a rough diamond waiting to be polished.
He is primarily a striker but can feature as a left-winger, which would make him a direct replacement for Mane - who featured in the centre of attack in the second half of this season.
Liverpool have a history of raiding relegated teams in the recent past, with Georginio Wijnaldum, Andy Robertson and Xherdan Shaqiri arriving from Newcastle, Hull and Stoke respectively.
Pedro would likely fit into a squad role at Anfield at such a young age - Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Fabio Carvalho are likely to be ahead of him. But with the potential sale of Mane, the definite departure of Divock Origi and the questioned future of Takumi Minamino, a forward will be imperative to be able to challenge on multiple fronts next season.
Advert
Maybe he won’t be the only one brought in considering the three likely departures, but it’s fair to say he would be an underwhelming addition in solitude.
Chris Stonadge