Liverpool have opened talks with FC Groningen over exciting striker David Texeira, as manager Kenny Dalglish steps up his transfer activity in the closing stages of the window.
Dalglish had previously made buying a striker his top priority for January, with Luis Suarez missing for eight matches through suspension, and Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt struggling to find their feet this term.
The Reds boss has had a whole host of established options under consideration, but after being quoted fees in excess of £20 million for Aston Villa's Darren Bent and Valencia's Roberto Soldado, Dalglish has changed tact, and is now in search of a younger forward who would represent better value for money in the longer term.
Twente prospect Luuk de Jong is Liverpool's preferred target, but Dalglish is thought to be unsure about his suitability to life in England, and has instead moved for another promising Eredivisie prospect, Groningen's David Texeira.
The Uruguayan isn't 21 until next month, but Groningen have a good pedigree for finding quality strikers, having previously had the aforementioned Suarez and PSV forward Tim Matavz on their books, and Liverpool are keen to wrap up a deal now before other interested parties make their moves.
Texeira is valued at around £8 million by Liverpool, but former club Defensor Sporting are believed to have a sell on clause option in his contract, which entitles them to 20% of any fee received.
That means that Texeira could cost closer to £10 million, but the Reds' Director of Football Damien Comolli is hoping to knock them down considerably, during talks this week.
Liverpool are expected to try and sweeten the deal by offering Groningen a pre-season friendly, which would see former hero Suarez return to the Euroborg stadium in a potentially money-spinning run out.
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