Manchester City are now leading the race to sign Real Madrid's Rodrygo, amid a major new update on the forward's future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Man City's interest in upgrading their forward line comes amid an overreliance on Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian striker their only player to have scored more than one Premier League goal so far this season.
The 25-year-old has been in incredible form, having already scored 14 league goals, but the lack of contributions from elsewhere raises concern about how Pep Guardiola's side will be able to cope if their talisman suffers an injury.
Jeremy Doku put in a top performance against Liverpool, scoring the third in the 3-0 rout, while Phil Foden is showing signs he may be rediscovering his best form, having amassed seven goal contributions in 14 matches in all competitions.
However, in order to strengthen his side's Premier League title push, Guardiola remains keen on adding another forward to his ranks, and there has been a positive development in the pursuit of a Real Madrid star.
Man City now leading race for Rodrygo
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Man City are now frontrunners in the race for Rodrygo's signature, with it emerging the Brazilian's future at the Santiago Bernabeu is now in major doubt, and he is on the brink of leaving in the January transfer window.
Brazil's Rodrygo celebrates
The 24-year-old has been unable to force his way into Xabi Alonso's plans, given that Madrid have a breadth of top-quality options in attacking areas, and a winter move could now be on the cards.
Guardiola views the former Santos man as ideal, given his versatility, and City are ready to trigger a deal, which could amount to €60m - €80m (£53m - £70m).
Hailed as "world-class" by legendary midfielder Luka Modric, the 35-time Brazil international has been a reliable source of goals and assists right across his career, impressing at Santos from a very young age before going on to play a major role in Real Madrid's success.
Club Rodrygo's combined goals and assists
Santos (80 apps) 25
Real Madrid (283 apps) 121
Although the Osasco-born forward has predominantly featured as a winger throughout his career to date, scout Ben Mattinson has suggested he could be better-suited to playing in a central role, given his dribbling and shooting ability.
As such, should Haaland pick up an injury, Rodrygo could be a solid replacement, while the Real Madrid man's experience playing out wide means he should also be able to challenge the likes of Doku and Rayan Cherki for a starting spot.
Rodrygo has been named as one of the best wingers in the world