Klopp forced to accelerate Firmino exit plan as Liverpool transfer at risk

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to accelerate the exit of Roberto Firmino as they face a transfer battle for a forward who has been on their transfer radar.

The Reds have identified Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a potential signing as they continue to revamp their frontline. It follows the Reds confirming the signing of striker Darwin Nunez - one of Europe's most sought-after strikers - this summer in a deal that could reach £85.5million.

That deal followed Liverpool signing Luis Diaz from Porto in January as the club revamped two-thirds of their front line. Sadio Mane has departed Anfield for Bayern Munich while Divock Origi has also exited the club, joining Milan this summer.

While Mohamed Salah penned a new deal at Liverpool, it's a case of Klopp having to reinvent his side's attacking roster due to the comings and goings. The future of Firmino has remained uncertain but reports have suggested the Brazilian will be allowed to move on to guarantee more first-team football.

Firmino featured 20 times in the Premier League last term for the Reds as he fell from prominence, dropping below Salah, Diaz and Diogo Jota in the pecking order - while the arrival of Nunez is likely to further limit his first-team opportunities.

Terrier, 25, had emerged as a transfer target for Liverpool after enjoying his most productive goalscoring season of his career at Rennes - where he netted 21 goals from a wide attacking position. His versatility across attacking positions is believed to be highly valued at Anfield.

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A report in L'Equipe now claims that two Premier League rivals have joined the race for his signature as West Ham and Leeds - who are hopeful of landing a replacement for Raphinha, who has joined Barcelona - have activated interest in the Frenchman. Rennes have placed a price tag of £34million (€40m) on the player. Spanish club Sevilla are also said to hold an interest.

Liverpool are likely now going to be prompted into a decision on Terrier, whether they up their interest into a move for the player or to cool off and allow others to compete for his deal. Yet is unlikely that a move will become established if Firmino remains at Anfield.

The exits of Mane, Origi and Takumi Minamino from Liverpool this summer means that the attacking options at Anfield have been refined, but Nunez, Salah and Diaz are likely to be established starting players in Klopp's strongest team. The decision over Firmino is likely to be the most significant for the club in the remaining six weeks of the transfer window.