Journalist James Pearce has talked up the idea of Liverpool potentially signing RB Leipzig winger Christopher Nkunku in the near future.

The Lowdown: Attacking additions needed

The Reds had a quiet time of things last summer, choosing to only sign Ibrahima Konate and not strengthening their depth in attacking areas.

With Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all 30 at some point this year, there is a clear need to look at possible long-term replacements for that trio.

The 24-year-old Leipzig forward is one player who has reportedly been identified by Liverpool as the long-term successor to Mane on the left flank, having scored 17 goals in all competitions for his club this season, including seven in the Champions League

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The Latest: Pearce makes Nkunku claim

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic on Sunday, Pearce admitted that no bid has yet been made by Liverpool for Nkunku, but he claimed that the winger could be an option for the Reds moving forward.

When asked if the club were looking at the 24-year-old as a potential signing, the journalist replied: "He ticks a lot of the boxes when you look at his profile. Relations between the clubs also good. Not aware of any serious interest at this stage."

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The Verdict: Strong summer option

Nkunku looks like an excellent potential signing this summer, with his end product this season suggesting that he would bring guaranteed firepower to Jurgen Klopp's squad.

With the Frenchman capable of operating on the left wing, he could be seen as an eventual replacement for Mane, who arguably isn't quite the player he once was, only scoring once in 10 games for Liverpool prior to departing for the African Cup of Nations this month.

Nkunku's current contract doesn't expire until the summer of 2024, so a hefty bid will be required to get a deal done. He could be worth it, though, joining at the same age that Mane was when he arrived from Southampton and hopefully enjoying a similar career trajectory.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have reacted negatively to one transfer claim. Read more here.