AFCON 2017 is upon us this weekend and here in the Transfer Tavern we can’t wait for another big tournament to kick off.

The Africa Cup of Nations is always a colourful and bright affair with plenty of goals on show whilst some of the biggest stars in the game get to strut their stuff for their country.

Our Liverpool fans have been slightly dreading it with Sadio Mane off with Senegal but when our landlord pointed out to them it might be a good chance for Jurgen Klopp to sign some players, they perked up a bit.

Indeed, with the January transfer window in this country running alongside most of the tournament it’s a great chance to sign up and coming players as well as established stars for the rest of the season.

The Reds should be looking out for potential recruits, then, and here’s who our landlord thinks Jurgen Klopp should keep an eye on in particular…

Franck Kessie

Kessie has been one of the most talked about players in Serie A this season and a fine tournament here could see his stock shoot through the roof.

His goals and power in central midfield have seen Atalanta uproot trees this season and if he can replicate that for the Ivory Coast we could see them win the trophy. He’s only 20, too, and so should get even better which is why Klopp really needs to keep a close eye on him.

Mo Salah

Salah didn’t have the best time of it with Chelsea earlier on in his career but he has shown since he’s still a very good player.

Before he signed for Chelsea he was a class act for FC Basel and after he’s been a real hit in Serie A, too. He’s got nine goals and six assists in all competitions with AS Roma currently this season and a good tournament this month could see him earn another crack at the Premier League.

Rachid Ghezzal

Algeria could be the dark horses for this tournament and you can see why with the likes of Ghezzal in their ranks.

We know about the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani from their employment with Leicester City but Ghezzal may be a slightly more unknown quantity as he plays for Lyon. Nevertheless, he’s certainly got the talent to properly announce himself and Liverpool should make sure they’re ready to pounce if he does.

Agree, Liverpool fans? Let us know below!