Exclusive: Transfer expert reveals Liverpool must pay €50m+ to land attacker - 'it could go pretty quickly'

Speaking exclusively to Anfield Central as part of a Q&A, Sacha Tavolieri, an expert on Belgian transfers, provides the lowdown on Jeremy Doku.

The 19-year-old is a rapid forward who caught the eye at the EUROs with this dribbling and fearless display against the eventual champions Italy.

He gave Giovanni Di Lorenzo the toughest game of his tournament, constantly twisting and turning and while he is still very young, it's clear Doku is destined to be a top player.

Are Liverpool planning a bid for Doku?

For the moment, Liverpool is not planning to make an offer. Things could change but it’s not the way and information I heard.

€50m is his price - will Rennes be willing to negotiate lower or accept a staggered payment structure?

If Liverpool wants Doku, they are going to pay minimum of €50m because Rennes is not ready to let the player go for the moment.

They count on them and they want him to be their main player for the season.

Does the play want to move to Liverpool?

The player is really happy in Rennes for the moment but loves Liverpool and Liverpool loves him from years too.

Liverpool can sign him without selling due to his age as non-homegrown rules don’t apply so does them needing to sell Shaqiri or Origi first have to do with making space in the squad rather than Premier League rules?

Of course, Liverpool needs to make space first before making a choice before transferring a future offensive player.

I heard also they could make the choice to let young players from the academy having their chance this season if a transfer is too complicated to do.

Have Liverpool been in talks with his agent and Rennes?

Yes, I can confirm that the agency of Jeremy Doku has already been in contact with Liverpool. They know each other so if they want to go further, it could go pretty quickly.

Can he fill Sadio Mane’s shoes one day?

Yes, Jeremy Doku has the style but also the ability to get his level but he needs to increase his capacity in front of the goal and has to be more precise on the future.

I’m sure he will make a new step on that perspective next season.

Verdict: The bottom line here is that Liverpool need to make space in their squad before bringing Doku in this summer.

Non-homegrown rules might not apply to him but Jurgen Klopp is now able to call on Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, Divock Origi and, until he's officially sold, Xherdan Shaqiri.

Adding Doku to the mix would see Liverpool's forward options become too congested but with Shaqiri likely to leave, we could see some movement although it's very likely that Elliott is the Swiss forward's heir.