Liverpool are preparing to start negotiations for Sadio Mane's replacement

Recent reports from Spain claim that Liverpool are set to start negotiations for Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma.

According to Spanish publication El Nacional, as cited by LFC Transfer Room's Twitter account, Jurgen Klopp has asked the board directly to start negotiations with Villarreal for Danjuma.

They also go on to say that it's expected that the 25-year-old would be a replacement for one of the forwards expected to depart next summer.

Similar reports from GOAL say that Liverpool will get a chance to watch Sadio Mané's potential successor during their Champions League semi-final vs the Yellow Submarine.

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool's interest in Danjuma seems pretty legit. The Reds were linked with the Netherlands international before he got his move to Villarreal last summer.

Unai Emery's side paid a reported fee of £21m for the 25-year-old, making him their most expensive transfer ever.

However, he has been worth every penny for Villarreal, scoring 14 goals and getting four assists in 31 games this season.

Danjuma is also a massive reason why the Yellow Submarine have done so well in Europe, scoring six goals and getting one assist in 10 UCL games.

If Liverpool do want Danjuma to become Mane's successor then they're going to have to pay a hefty fee.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported earlier this year that Villarreal have a €75m release clause on the 25-year-old.

Obviously, the Reds can try and negotiate a lower price for the winger but Danjuma's contract doesn't expire until 2026 and with all the money they're getting from the Champions League this season, they could just refuse to sell him unless a team meets the release clause.

Saying that, if Danjuma knows that clubs like Liverpool are trying to sign him next summer then he may ask Villarreal to let him leave. If that scenario happens, then the Spanish club would have to be a bit more flexible on their asking price.