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Federico Chiesa is in line for a positional change at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa could be in line for a major positional change if Liverpool fail to land a striker this summer.

Despite speculation, the Magpies' pursuit of Ekitike is not believed to be linked to any plans to sell Alexander Isak – Liverpool's ideal choice to spearhead their attack.

With Darwin Nunez expected to leave the club after making just eight Premier League starts last season, Liverpool could be forced to improvise, particularly if they can't strike a deal with the Toon to take Isak to Anfield.

Benjamin Sesko and Jean-Philippe Mateta have been linked, but there's a growing possibility the Reds will enter the season without a new centre-forward among their number.

Instead, they are open to utilising Chiesa – or potentially even £116m signing Wirtz – as makeshift solutions up front.

Chiesa has experience playing as a false nine for both Juventus and the Italian national team, albeit with mixed success.

He has shown he can score goals for Liverpool too, albeit he hasn't played anywhere near enough.

Wirtz is a natural No.10 and that's where Liverpool view the Germany star long term.

But he has a sharp eye for goal - scoring 34 times over his final two seasons with Bayer Leverkusen - is tactically intelligent and there are suggestions that he could be moulded into being a centre-forward akin to Roberto Firmino.

Florian Wirtz is also being considered for the false nine role at Liverpool next season(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

It is not his preference, nor is it that of Kop boss Arne Slot - who made clear his tactical vision for Wirtz when securing his signature.

But after starting just four matches in all competitions last season, the former Fiorentina star is likely to be open to a positional change in search of more playing time.

As for Wirtz, his prodigious quality ensures he'll be a central figure in whatever shape Liverpool's evolving attack takes.

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