Liverpool have joined Premier League rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche after sending officials out to watch him live, according to TEAMtalk.
Liverpool and Man United are both aiming to boost their summer transfer budgets by qualifying for the Champions League, with Michael Carrick's side currently in pole position to secure a spot in Europe's elite club competition next term.
However, even though they lie in third position, they are just three points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool following their defeat to Newcastle United last time out - Carrick's first defeat since he took caretaker charge in January following Ruben Amorim's sacking.
Meanwhile, Liverpool will be looking to put pressure on United, Chelsea and Aston Villa above them when they host rock-bottom Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday.
There is a big opportunity to take advantage, given United and Villa meet at Old Trafford on the same day.
Liverpool and Man United Battling On and Off the Pitch
Akliouche
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Manchester United have joined the growing list of Premier League admirers for Monaco forward Akliouche.
Tottenham and Newcastle have been watching the exciting 22-year-old for more than 12 months, but they could now face stiff competition from bigger English top-flight clubs.
Liverpool have added the France international to their shortlist as they weigh up potentially attacking reinforcements for the summer transfer window.
The Merseysiders are considering long-term replacements for Mohamed Salah, whose future will again be called into question at the end of the campaign with Saudi clubs still keen to sign him.
Akliouche, who has been described as being 'box-office', has six goals and seven assists in 34 appearances for Monaco this term.
Liverpool Scouts Watched Akliouche Stun PSG
Maghnes Akliouche
The report says that scouts from Liverpool were in attendance to see Akliouche destroy Ligue One champions PSG last Friday.
The 22-year-old scored Monaco's opening goal and set up the third as they recorded an impressive 3-1 victory at the Parc des Princes against Luis Enrique's men.
Man United scouts were also there to see the Frenchman dazzle, as they look to land a versatile forward this summer.
Both Liverpool and United are also taking a keen look at RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, who is establishing himself as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe at the age of 19.
Who is Akliouche Better Suited to - Liverpool or Man United?
Maghnes Akliouche
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT that, given the profile of player Liverpool and Man United are looking for, which club would he be a better fit for. This is what it said:
'Maghnes Akliouche is a creative, left-footed right-winger who excels at dribbling, chance creation, and linking play in attacking areas.
Liverpool may suit him slightly better. Their system relies on fluid wide attackers who combine with midfield runners and a central striker, which fits Akliouche’s playmaking and passing strengths rather than pure goal-scoring. He could develop as a creative right-sided option and eventual successor to Mohamed Salah.
'At Manchester United, he might face tactical instability and less structured attacking patterns, which could slow his development.
Overall, Liverpool’s clearer attacking structure and history of developing wide forwards make them the better tactical fit.'
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