James Forrest has reportedly emerged as a shock target for Liverpool, according to the Daily Mirror.
Jurgen Klopp has apparently been keeping tabs on the 16-goal Hoops man for months. Despite the fact the Anfield side have the likes of Mo Salah who can operate down the right, Forrest is high on their radar.
The Kop side haven’t made a formal approach as of yet. The Champions League finalists, however, would seriously have to splash the cash to get their man.
Forrest only signed a new contract with the club back in September. It ties him to Parkhead until 2022, but the Mirror believe he could be available for £8million.
Highly unlikely he would cost so little
Whether there’s anything in this remains to be seen, but he definitely wouldn’t be going for £8million.
Forrest remains an integral part of what Brendan Rodgers is trying to do at Parkhead. He’s the first-choice right-winger, and features on a weekly-basis. Despite consistent squad rotation this season, he’s one of the few to consistently keep his place in big games.
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Should Liverpool have a serious interest in the 26-time capped Scotland international, they wouldn’t get him for anything less than eight figures.
Considering the big money bubble that exists down in England, Celtic should be milking that. Key players in recent years such as Moussa Dembele, Virgil Van Dijk, and Victor Wanyama have all gone for eight-figure sums. With Forrest entering his peak years, he shouldn’t be allowed to depart for anything less.
It’s probably unlikely Liverpool make the move for Forrest anyway. Despite the report in the Mirror, it’s difficult to put him up there with the high-quality attacking talent that the Kop side possess.
There’s no denying Forrest has improved massively under Rodgers, however. 41 goals since Rodgers was appointed back in 2016 shows the level he’s operating at.
Getting a replacement for the winger in January would also be highly difficult. Given the close nature of the title-race up in Scotland, Celtic would be highly unwilling to sell.
Liverpool’s interest may be serious, but Celtic simply need to hold on to their star players.