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Liverpool are set to step up their search for a new striker as the Premier League season draws nearer.

The Reds have been looking to bring a player in to lead the line and help their charge to retain the title won last term.

Alexander Isak remains the dream target at Liverpool, but with Newcastle United desperate to keep hold of the Swede, it does not look like an easy deal to do.

As a result, Liverpool may have to pivot.

Hugo Ekitike has been heavily linked, but the Eintracht Frankfurt hitman will also command a big transfer fee.

Mindful that they have already broken the British transfer record once this summer, the Reds may start to look for a cheaper option.

And according to the French press, this has resulted in contact being made over Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Mateta has been one of the most dangerous strikers in the Premier League over the past two seasons, hitting 30 goals in his past 72 appearances.

And according to Foot Mercato, Liverpool very much appreciate what Mateta has been doing.

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They claim that the Reds have been in contact over signing the 28-year-old from Crystal Palace, with a meeting between Mateta, his agent and Liverpool reportedly having been held in Paris.

It is said that, with two years left on his contract, the Frenchman will be cheaper than other striker targets Liverpool have been looking at.

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A fee of £43m is mooted by the outlet, although they do concede that something closer to £52m may be more realistic.

Palace, for their part, may reportedly be tempted to sell Mateta, who is also claimed to have interest from Manchester United.

Although Mateta is perhaps not the right candidate to be Liverpool’s regular No.

9, he is certainly an exciting option to add to the Liverpool squad.

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Reds legend Jamie Carragher would likely agree, with the former centre-back hailing Mateta after seeing him score a ‘brilliant’ goal against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in April.

Having seen the former Mainz forward hit a beautiful lob over David Raya, Carragher claimed that other clubs will be looking to poach Mateta this summer.

Three months on, and the pundit’s prediction may be coming true.

“I think there’ll be other clubs looking at him,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“Crystal Palace supporters might get upset by that, but that’s a brilliant finish and for a couple of seasons now he’s been, not just a handful, but a real goal getter.

“I think he’s brilliant, I really like him, I think he’s a really good player.”


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