Liverpool ‘make contact’ with Dortmund for Aubameyang ahead of £65m deal

Could Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang be Anfield-bound?

Liverpool are reportedly set to battle Chelsea for the signing of Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The prolific Gabon international scored a massive 40 goals for the German club last season and is believed to fancy a move to the Premier League. Reds manager Jürgen Klopp signed Aubameyang for Dortmund back in 2013 and it is believed the 28-year-old could be interested in teaming up once again with his former boss. If there is one caveat for Reds fans hoping to sign one of the most coveted strikers in Europe, it is that reports of a possible deal originate in The Sun, hardly the most reliable source of information on events taking place behind the scenes at Anfield. Also, Fenway Sports Group are thought to be reluctant to meet either Dortmund's valuation of the player - thought to be around £65m - or Aubameyang's wage demands of £180,000-per-week. However, Klopp is said to have been chasing the former Saint Etienne striker since April and has been promised backing in the transfer market for leading Liverpool back into the Champions League. Chelsea, of course, are badly in need of a new marksman having missed out on the signing of Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United. With Diego Costa heading out the door at Stamford Bridge and Michy Batshuayi seen as little more than a back-up option, Antonio Conte will hope that the Blues' greater financial muscle will see them jump the queue for Aubameyang, who has scored 85 goals in 128 Bundesliga appearances for Der BVB.