With the January transfer window well under way, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is planning to bring Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the Premier League, according to The Mirror.
Klopp's relationship with Aubameyang
Aubameyang is currently rumoured to be unsettled at the German club and would like to chance to move away. However, his desired destination is still uncertain, but Klopp could have a huge advantage using his former relationship with the 28-year-old. The pair spent time together in Germany before Klopp left Dortmund to revive Liverpool in the English top-flight.
Klopp has fast become a fan favourite at Anfield. The fans love the enthusiasm he brings to each and every match and the confidence he shows in his players. The players must feel something similar in the dressing room and players that have worked with Klopp in the past would surely feel a positive connection with the German manager.
The appeal of China
Liverpool does face some stiff competition, though. A move to China is on the cards for Aubameyang where he'll undoubtedly earn a huge weekly wage - a factor that proved too tempting for many stars in the past. Former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez and Brazilian Oscar recently made the switch to Asia.
Chinese Super League outfit Guangzhou Evergrande are favourites to land the striker and reports suggest that Dortmund has agreed on a fee of around £63.5m.
The negotiations are said to be in advanced stages but the transfer is yet to be finalised.
The Gabon striker already a proven goalscorer
Aubameyang is a proven goalscorer in the Bundesliga, having scored 98 goals in 143 appearances for Dortmund. People will argue that the Premier League is a completely different game and many world-class players have faced scrutiny in moving to England.
Fans have questioned their ability and whether they can perform on the big stage in the top tier of English football.
Nevertheless, Aubameyang and others have demonstrated their ability against the best teams in England by competing in some of Europe's elite competitions.
Aubameyang's transfer fee
Liverpool will need to splash the cash if they are to land their man following the accepted bid of £63.5m from China.
However, Liverpool will have no problem raising the funds after the £145m move that saw Coutinho exit Anfield in favour of Barcelona earlier in the month. It's a transfer that will leave a lump in the throats of Reds' fans but the rumours of Aubameyang moving to Merseyside will certainly ease the pain.
Where will Aubameyang fit in the side?
Despite the excitement that Liverpool fans will be feeling over the prospect of a move for Aubameyang, the main question they will be asking is: 'Where will he fit in the team?'.
After failing to fend of Barcelona, Liverpool will be searching for a replacement for Coutinho. Aubameyang plays his football centrally, through the middle of the pitch. He does not possess the creativity that Coutinho brought to the team and with first-choice forward, Firmino, doing so well for the team at this time, it's difficult to see Aubameyang sidelining the Brazilian forward.
Klopp could have European competitions in mind with a rotation in the squad needed for the Premier League and the midweek Champions League ties.
Strong interest from Europe
It's not only China that Liverpool needs to worry about regarding Aubameyang - Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea are all rumoured to have an interest in the prolific goalscorer.
