Red Bull Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund has refused to rule out a January transfer for Liverpool-linked striker Noah Okafor.
The 22-year-old has made a bright start to the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions, including a strike in the 1-1 Champions League draw away against Chelsea in September.
Okafor has recorded a total of 34 goals and 20 assists in 100 games for Salzburg since joining the club in January 2020, and his form in the final third is believed to have caught the eye of a number of European clubs.
A recent report claims that Liverpool are planning a January swoop for the Switzerland international, while Arsenal, Leeds United, Manchester City and AC Milan have also been credited with an interest.
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With speculation beginning to gather pace regarding the future of Okafor, Salzburg chief Freund has admitted that a January transfer away from the club is possible for the striker.
Speaking to Sky Sports Austria, Freund said: "I think a bit more will happen in the transfer market than in recent years. Okafor really took off last year.
"I hope that he plays a good World Cup, then the Noah Okafor stock can become very interesting. I am not ruling it out."
Indeed, Okafor will be heading to Qatar for this year's World Cup and he will be looking to add to his two goals in eight international appearances when Switzerland face Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon in Group G.
Following Liverpool's 3-1 Premier League win over Southampton, manager Jurgen Klopp hinted that the Reds could be active in the winter window, telling reporters: "If there is something possible we will do it but the door is open and we are open as well.
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"It is not about wanting. We want to improve the team all the time, we just believe in the training ground we can do it there."
It is thought that an offer between €35m (£30.5m) and €40m (£34.9m) could be enough to prise Okafor away from the reigning Austrian Bundesliga champions.
Klopp added Darwin Nunez to his attacking ranks over the summer, with the Uruguay international joining from Benfica for a fee which could rise to a club-record £85m.
However, the long-term future of Roberto Firmino remains uncertain, with the 31-year-old Brazilian out of contract in June 2023.
While Liverpool have identified Okafor as a potential target, they are expected to prioritise strengthening their midfield, with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham believed to be one of their top targets.
Oliver Thomas
