Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford this summer as they look for attacking reinforcements.
The Lowdown: Bamford shines for Leeds
The 27-year-old has been one of the star men for an impressive Whites side this season, scoring 15 goals in the Premier League and helping them to 10th in the table currently.
Bamford's performances have put him in contention to make England's Euro 2020 squad, with Gareth Southgate to make a decision later this month.
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The Latest: Reds interested in Bamford signing
According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, Liverpool are one of several clubs who 'admire' Bamford, ahead of a potential summer bid. He wrote: "Bamford’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with several clubs, including Liverpool, believed to admire the forward."
The report also stated that the Leeds striker has extended his contract to 2023, however, so a big fee may be required to prise him away from Elland Road.
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The Verdict: Is he good enough?
Bamford has undoubtedly enjoyed an excellent campaign, but there are question marks over whether he would be good enough for Liverpool.
Granted, Jurgen Klopp described him as "an exceptional player" after last month's 1-1 draw at Elland Road, but he lacks the pace and versatility of the Reds' current attackers. Also, prior to this season, he had only scored once in the Premier League, so some may question whether the 2020/21 campaign is a commendable one-off for the striker.
That being said, it could be argued that Bamford would offer something different from the substitutes' bench, bringing an aerial presence which has seen him average 1.3 aerial duel wins per game in 2020/21. In comparison, Roberto Firmino has averaged just 0.6 per game and scored only six times in the league.
Bamford isn't an elite player, so he isn't worth signing for big money, but that's not to say he doesn't deserve huge credit for silencing any previous critics this season.
In other news, a big-money Liverpool target has remained coy over his future - find out who it is here.