Report: European giant plot structured deal for 21-goal Liverpool target, Reds spoke with agent

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According to Tuttosport, Juventus are working on the transfer of Liverpool target Dusan Vlahovic regardless of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.

The Serie A giants are set to sign at least one centre-forward in the summer but will target additional options should Ronaldo leave. The Portuguese icon will enter the final year of his contract this summer and may look for a new challenge.

But Juventus hope to secure Vlahovic’s services either way, as Sporting Director Federico Cherubini believes the Serbian represents their future. The forward proved his quality for Fiorentina last season with the 21-year-old scoring 21 goals in 37 Serie A games.

Vlahovic also has vast margins for growth, yet Fiorentina are reluctant to part with their prized asset. Instead, they are working to award the seven-cap striker a new contract to extend his terms that run to 2023.

La Viola would also demand between €40m (£34.5m) and €50million (£43m) for a transfer this summer. A sum that Juventus would struggle to match, thus are looking for an alternative payment structure.

One option would be to sign Vlahovic on loan with an obligation to buy like Juventus’ deal for Federico Chiesa. The Italian moved to Turin in October on an initial two-year loan that features an obligation based on set conditions.

However, Juventus would also have to consider the rival interest from Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. With Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield natives already in contact with Vlahovic’s agent over a move to Merseyside.

Chiesa joined Juve for a £1.8m loan fee with Fiorentina owed a further £7.2m next season, per Goal. The Old Lady will also pay £36m to turn the move permanent if he features in at least 60 per cent of their games for 30 minutes or more, scores 10 goals and 10 assists.

TBR’s view: Liverpool should follow Juventus for Vlahovic

As Klopp is unsure what budget Liverpool will have for summer transfers, they should look to follow Juventus’ methods to negotiate a move for Vlahovic. The Serbian would be a dream addition to the ranks at Anfield, which lack this type of natural centre-forward.

Vlahovic is only going to get better by joining a side like a Liverpool or Juventus, who finished fourth in the Serie A last season, as well. His goals were enough to finish the campaign fourth in the Golden Boot race, yet Fiorentina ended the term 14th.

If Fiorentina are open to a structured loan-to-buy deal for Vlahovic like their agreement with Juventus for Chiesa, Liverpool should be all over it. They struggled for goals beyond Mohamed Salah (22) last season, with only Sadio Mane (11) also scoring more than 10 in the Premier League.