Liverpool laying groundwork for £34m January transfer for Bakayoko

Liverpool have reportedly conducted their due diligence on January transfer target Johan Bakayoko, who may cost the Reds over £34 million.

The winger, who plies his trade in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, is a person of significant interest to Jurgen Klopp and may well be his next signing.

Fans are very pleased with the transfer business done in the summer after several midfielders were sold or released from contract.

Four new midfielders were signed with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch signing for the club in that order.

While the latter is yet to be seen in action, he could make his debut for Liverpool against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday at lunchtime.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Johan Bakayoko?

A report from Football Insider claims Liverpool are "one of up to five Premier League clubs" that hold a "concrete interest" in signing PSV star Johan Bakayoko.

The Reds and the other interested sides are said to be "doing their due diligence". laying the groundwork for a January move for the 20-year-old.

Brentford appeared as though they would sign him this summer after submitting a club-record bid of £34 million but they were turned down with Bakayoko opting to delay his exit from the club, choosing to remain at the Philips Stadion.

PSV, who have been drawn to face Arsenal, Sevilla and Lens in Group B of the Champions League, "could be forced" to sell the attacker if they don't reach the knockout stages.

Bakayoko has a contract that only expires in 2026 so any further improvement this season could see clubs see his rough estimated valuation of £34m increase.

Relations between Liverpool and Eindhoven should remain strong after an agreement was reached last January over the transfer of Cody Gakpo to Anfield.

Hopefully this working relationship could prove to be valuable in January once more.

Why do Liverpool want to sign 20-year-old Bakayoko?

To become familiar with his play style, this YouTube compilation does a good job of highlighting his strengths and suitability to England's premier division.

Last season, he scored nine goals and assisted six, according to Transfermarkt, but he's not a defensive midfielder like many might hope given the squad's lack of a specialist no.6.

The Belgian star is blessed with a wonderful left foot and is highly technical.

There has been a clear focus on recruiting technically proficient players after the frustrating situation Klopp found himself in last season.

At times, it felt as though Liverpool had a complete void in terms of ball players with James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho seriously struggling to outplay their opponents.

Injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita meant that the bench was also devoid of technical midfielders. This did allow for Stefan Bajcetic to play, becoming the third youngest player to score for Liverpool at the age of 18 years, 2 months and 4 days.

Not only has the focus clearly been on recruiting technical talent, the age profile the club has always insisted on, has been improved.

Last season, Liverpool had an average age of 27.4 years and now, despite signing 29-year-old Endo as one of their four midfield signings, Klopp's squad has an average age of 26.8 years.

This means the Reds jump from being ranked 17th for average squad age to 13th. This is far more acceptable with Manchester City's squad ninth with an average age of 26.4, according to Football 365.

Bakayoko seems destined for the Premier League with five English sides keen on him. Time will only tell if Liverpool can get a deal done.

For further updates on Liverpool's interest, Anfield Central has you covered.