Liverpool have taken 'concrete steps' to sign Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao, according to a report from Caught Offside.
The Reds will lose Mohamed Salah in the summer transfer window. After speculation about his future over the last couple of years, it's been confirmed that this is his final season at Anfield.
He'll take with him over 350 direct goal contributions in 440 Liverpool games, and will be a very tough act to follow.
Liverpool have been linked with some big names on the right wing, including Bradley Barcola, who's said to be keen on heading to Anfield.
But Sporting's Trincao could be one of the most interesting options, as Caught Offside reports the Reds have taken 'concrete steps' to signing the Portuguese winger.
Building his reputation in his home country of late, Trincao has the eyes of a couple of Premier League clubs on him, with Chelsea and Arsenal joining Liverpool in the pursuit, though it sounds as if the Reds are pushing the hardest at the moment, with the report stating they are 'moving with real intent.'
The right-winger's contract at Sporting runs until 2030, but he has a €60million (£51.9m) release clause, per the report, which could help any interested club to land him.
Trincao an assist king
So far this season in Liga Portugal, Trincao has 13 assists, which is the most in the division, and crucial is more than double the amount laid on by Salah this season.
The Egyptian superstar has assisted just seven times in the Premier League this term, after his best career tallf of 18 last season.
Before that, Salah had never assisted more than 13 league goals in one season, so as a provider, Trincao is very similar to the departing icon.
The Portuguese is not quite there in terms of goals, with a best tally in the league of 10, which came three seasons ago.
But he has consistently reached nine goals for the past three seasons, and while he's not there this term, in all competitions, he's found the net 12 times.
That includes four goals in the Champions League alongside three assists, and with Liverpool consistently securing a spot in the elite European league, bringing in a player who can succeed on that stage will do them good.
They can certainly do worse than some of the elements Trincao could bring to the club.
