Blow for Liverpool as 21-goal target looks set for Serie A stay after contract extension talks

Dusan Vlahovic looks set to stay at Fiorentina this season amid Liverpool transfer links

Liverpool, who have been linked with Serbian forward Dusan Vlahovic, are set to suffer a transfer blow as Fiorentina are ready to offer a contract extension to the striker. 

The forward has been linked with several clubs this summer, including AC Milan, Tottenham, and Liverpool.

Vlahovic recently scored 7 goals in 34 minutes off the bench in a friendly game against Serie D Foligno, which Fiorentina went on to win 11-0. The Serbian, who scored 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season, is raring to go again this season, courtesy of which Liverpool were trying to sign the forward.

However, Fiorentina are set to offer the forward a new three-year deal that will ensure that the player stays at the club until at least 2024 and removes any doubts over a move this summer. This comes after Italian journalist Niccolo Misul (h/t Daily Star) stated that Vlahovic will remain at Fiorentina this season rather than signing for any of the Premier League clubs.

The Reds have been trying to add more impetus in their frontline this summer and while they already have the likes of Diogo Jota, Divock Origi, Robert Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah in their ranks, adding Dusan Vlahovic would have made their squad more well-rounded. 

Additionally, Liverpool winger Xherdan Shaqiri could be on his way out this summer, paving the way for Liverpool to add another forward to the squad. 

The Reds have been linked with a number of forwards this season, including Wolves winger Adama Traore