Celtic's Moussa Dembele celebrates after scoring a penalty during the Champions League group C soccer match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Celtic FC in Moenchengladbach, Germany, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Liverpool linked with £20 million January bid for Celtic striker Moussa Dembele

With Jurgen Klopp believed to be eyeing attacking reinforcements in January, Celtic striker Moussa Dembele has been mooted as a possible target.

Following long-term injury to both Danny Ings and Philippe Coutinho, Klopp is believed to be considering adding another forward to his ranks in the winter transfer window.

Ings (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of the season, while Coutinho (ankle) is not likely to return before 2017, with Sadio Mane then set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

This would leave Klopp with few options to build his attacking line, which could see him look to add another body in January.

According to Scottish outlet Glasgow Live, this will see Liverpool present Celtic with a deal worth £20 million for France U21 international Dembele.

Dembele only joined Brendan Rodgers’ side in June, but has proved effective in both the Scottish Premiership and in the Champions League.

In 27 games in all competitions this season, the 20-year-old has scored 17 goals and laid on three assists, including two strikes against Manchester City in September.

It is reported that Liverpool’s offer would be £10 million up front, with a further £10 million made up in add-ons, while Dembele would earn £60,000 a week.

Whether Klopp’s interest is genuine remains unclear, but Dembele would certainly be a strong addition to the Reds squad.

CHESTER, WALES - Tuesday, April 7, 2015: Fulham's Moussa Dembele in action against Liverpool during the Under 21 FA Premier League match at Deva Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Previously with Fulham, Dembele is a lithe, direct centre-forward also capable of operating on the left flank, possessing the pace and power to drive at defenders on the ball.

He could slot into Klopp’s 4-3-3 in one of the wide forward roles, or as the German’s No. 9, filling in when Coutinho and Mane are absent.

However, Glasgow Live suggest “Klopp sees Dembele as an automatic pick,” which, given the competition already on Merseyside, seems highly unlikely.

Dembele is stylistically similar to Divock Origi, and would likely find himself vying with the Belgian for one of the backup roles in Klopp’s attack in the long term.

Roberto Firmino seems primed to hold the central role, given his importance to Klopp’s pressing system, flanked by Coutinho and Mane, but having Origi, Dembele and Daniel Sturridge among his rotational options would boost the 49-year-old’s prospects significantly.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Julian Brandt, Quincy Promes and Christian Pulisic in recent weeks, with a January move for another forward option very possible.

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