Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of an attacking option in the winter transfer window. The Reds have been looking to find a quality replacement for Sadio Mane, who has left for the African Cup of Nations, but Moussa Dembele of Celtic may not be the player that joins the club.

The former Fulham man has had a great season for the Scottish champions and the Reds were one of the clubs looking to bring him to Anfield. The Daily Mirror claims that West Ham are preparing a £20million bid for the 20-year-old and are looking to sign him up quickly.

The French forward has scored 17 goals this season for the Hoops and has only played 30 games in all competitions. He has been incredible for the former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers and has certainly been one of the brightest players in Scotland.

Liverpool isn’t the only club in the Premier League looking to bring in Dembele and even Manchester United are in the fray to sign the youngster. The Red Devils also have to move fast and reports claim that both clubs need to spend way more than £20million if they are to sign the French forward up.

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that he can keep hold of his star and Dembele certainly is a player the Reds could have done with.

A brilliant performer up front for the Hoops

Dembele did spend some time with Fulham where he made a name for himself before moving to Celtic. The attacker can play out wide but is best used down the middle as the central striker. His pace and ability to dribble and finish are second to none, especially in his age group, though he does have to work on the defensive aspects of the game.

Liverpool certainly could have done with someone who is as direct and threatening as Dembele is. He certainly would have given Liverpool quality on the bench and who knows, even become a regular player in the absence of Mane.

There are those who would suggest that Liverpool should actually move for a player that is more in the Mane mould. Emil Forsberg has been linked with a move to the Reds and the RB Leipzig player is certainly a Mane kind of player and that deal would make more sense.

The Reds do need to bring in a player fast and with the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho still injured, the lack of a quality forward could cost the Reds a lot more than a league title.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYNvDlo3nlA