Liverpool fail with initial £6 million bid to sign 22-year-old attacker – Reports

Liverpool have reportedly failed with their initial £6 million bid to snap up LASK star Keito Nakamura in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The Reds are hoping to strengthen their offensive depth after their injury-stricken campaign last time. They have lost Roberto Firmino, who has joined Al-Ahli on a free switch, this summer.

According to Foot Mercato, Liverpool have been keeping tabs on Nakamura for the last few months. They boosted their interest in the right-footed winger with an offer in the region of £6 million earlier last week.

However, LASK have rejected the Reds' opening bid despite a potential chance to have him back on loan for the entirety of the 2023-24 season. They're holding out for a £9.5 million offer for a club-record sale.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp's side are expected to face tough competition from Ligue 1 outfit Lille and Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt for Nakamura. They would have to meet LASK's asking price soon, as they have a serious risk of losing out on their target.

Nakamura, whose contract expires in 2025, has emerged as a breakout star in the Austrian Bundesliga. The 22-year-old helped his team finish third in the league last season, securing a UEFA Europa League spot.

A right-footed inverted winger, the former Gamba Osaka man enjoyed an excellent season last time around. The 22-year-old netted 17 goals and laid out eight assists in 36 games across competitions for LASK.

Nakamura, who's renowned for his pace, flair and touch, has also made a mark on the international stage. After making his debut in March, he scored his first goal for Japan past month.

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Why is Liverpool pursuing another forward?

Liverpool are stacked with top-level attacking choices. They have Mohamed Salah on the right flank, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo as central options, and Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota as left-sided forwards. They could also call upon academy products like Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak and Melkamu Frauendorf.

However, manager Jurgen Klopp had to field Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones on the left flank last term due to long-term injuries to Diaz and Jota. He was without the pair for 54 games.

Keito Nakamura could emerge as a solid rotational option on left wing and also serve as a backup to Salah on the other flank.