Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will demand negotiations start over a new deal for striker Roberto Firmino at Anfield, with the club currently short of options in attack, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Reds are in the midst of a disappointing season and have been battered by an injury crisis, leaving them without some big-name stars.
What is the latest news from Liverpool?
Nottingham Forest picked up a shock three points when they beat Klopp’s side 1-0 at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Liverpool were without seven first-team stars for the trip to the East Midlands, however, with Naby Keita, Luis Diaz, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konata, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Arthur all missing through injury.
Thiago Alcantara was also absent for the defeat after he was rushed to hospital with what Klopp described as a ‘bad ear infection’.
The manager went on to explain that the Spaniard had been woken up in the middle of the night by the pain and the decision was taken early in the morning that he would not play.
Firmino started the game alongside Mo Salah and Fabio Carvalho in the front three but could do little to help against Forest.
What has O’Rourke said on Firmino?
O’Rourke believes Klopp will be demanding FSG open talks with Firmino over a new contract, with the Brazilian’s £180,000 per-week agreement set to expire in the summer.
The journalist adds that the current injury crisis at Anfield will only make the manager more determined to hang onto his star.
O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “We know Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan and admirer of Roberto Firmino as well, so I'm sure he will be asking FSG to sit down and discuss a new deal with Bobby Firmino because they are pretty short upfront as it is so I'm sure they wouldn’t want to see Firmino leave on a free transfer next summer as well.”
Will Firmino sign a new contract?
Now 31 years old, it is easy to see how the offer of an extended stay at Liverpool would appeal to the Brazilian.
Firmino has enjoyed a successful season despite the club’s struggles, scoring eight times in all competitions and laying on four assists.
It has taken his Premier League tally to 77 strikes while has now found the net on 106 occasions for Liverpool.
However, it is understood that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The La Liga giants will also be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with the player in January, so if Liverpool want to hang onto their star, they may need to act quickly.
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