It was no secret in the summer that Liverpool were looking to improve their frontline with quick, direct forwards. It's why Yan Diomande, now of Real Madrid, was on their radar and why both Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola eventually arrived.

So far, the fruits of their labour have shown signs of growing. Alexander Isak has been in revived form around a fresh attack, while Munoz looks like a live wire and Barcola is still backed to show his quality over time.

But that's not to say their work is done in the transfer market. After keeping Cody Gakpo, Liverpool decided against pursuing one more name late on in the transfer window, despite links with Ismaila Sarr.

It was a bold move and one they could live to regret, especially without direct cover for Isak until Hugo Ekitike returns from a long injury absence.

If rumours are anything to go by, then it may even be a decision that the Reds are already regretting. In fact, it looks like new sporting director Julian Ward is already on the hunt for further additions to Andoni Iraola's frontline and is shopping local in the Premier League.

After Liverpool failed to sign Yankuba Minteh and Sarr in the summer, Ward has reportedly turned his focus towards Brentford star Kevin Schade.

Liverpool racing to sign Kevin Schade

As reported by Football Insider, Liverpool are now on red alert in the race to sign Schade from Brentford in 2027, having already completed their scouting mission on the forward.

The talented 24-year-old, who has been rated at £60m, can play off the left and lead the line in what would offer Liverpool some much-needed versatility when seeking cover for Isak.

He is no flash in the pan, either. Schade was involved in 11 Premier League goals last season and has already followed that up with three goals in the current campaign. Simply put, he is a man on the rise who is destined for a big move.

The numbers make for solid reading. Schade, at this stage, is more complete than the likes of Munoz. He's a bigger goal threat and has crucially made 95 sprints so far this season. That is evidence Iraola will need to look at when welcoming players into his high-intensity system.

Dubbed "excellent" by Brentford boss Keith Andrews, Schade is likely to be a man in-demand. After sending scouts to get a closer look, however, it's Liverpool who will be hoping to win the race for his signature next year.