Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp identifies Real Madrid star as top transfer target

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has reportedly named Vinicius as his top summer transfer target after missing out on signing the youngster last year.

The Reds will be in the market for attacking reinforcements when the transfer window reopens.

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are set to miss large periods of next season because of their participation in the African Cup of Nations.

Spanish outlet Diario Madridista claim Klopp has placed Vinicius top of his wishlist.

The same publication also say Liverpool wanted to sign the Brazilian last summer but Real Madrid had no intention of letting their star leave.

They intended to integrate the 19-year-old into the first-team fold this campaign.

However, Zinedine Zidane’s side have struggled for form and could record a rare trophyless season.

That has limited Vinicius to only eight La Liga starts which is not what was planned.

Liverpool will offer the creative teenager regular football at Anfield with a fresh approach when the transfer window reopens.

But the former Flamengo star is said to be happy at the Bernabeu and Real have no intention of letting their ace go.

Vinicus wants to fight for his place in the starting XI as he has always dreamed of making it big in the famous Galactico white.

“If he’s thinking about his career on the field of play, he’s staying with Liverpool because Liverpool will win the Premier League title this year and could do for some years to come.

“They’re certainly going to be challenging in the Champions League.

“If that’s what he’s all about then he stays, but if it’s the whole ‘Real Madrid thing’ then it’s possible.

“If they, as they normally do when they want something, come up with the money, I don’t think this is beyond the realm of possibility.

“It’s not happening in the summer but after that I wouldn’t count it out.”