Liverpool identify 22-year-old star as potential Dominik Szoboszlai replacement but face competition from Manchester City: Reports

Liverpool and Manchester City are set to lock horns for the services of Georgiy Sudakov, according to Fichajes. The Ukrainian midfielder has been quite impressive for Shakhtar Donetsk in recent times.

This season, Sudakov already has three goals and one assist from nine games across competitions. The player is under contract with the Ukrainian side until 2028, and could be available for just €35m, according to Transfermarkt.

Liverpool are in the market for an attacking midfielder amid Dominik Szoboszlai's poor form under Arne Slot. The Hungarian midfielder has registered just one goal and three assists from eight games this season.

Slot has already admitted that he wants more from the 23-year-old and unless the player improves, the Reds will have a decision on their hands. The Merseyside club have apparently identified Sudakov as an option for the role.

While the 22-year-old Ukrainian isn't proven in a top league yet, he has already shown that he could transform into a world beater with the right guidance. However, Liverpool will face competition from Manchester City in the race for Sudakov.

The Premier League champions are laying down succession plans for Kevin De Bruyne, who will turn 34 next summer. The Belgian has already struggled with injuries in recent times and is currently out with a hamstring issue.

De Bruyne's contract at the Etihad expires in 2025 and he could be on his way out at the end of this season. While Manchester City already have Phil Foden in their squad, they are still keeping their options open and have found their man in Sudakov.

Both English clubs sent scouts to watch the Ukrainian in action for Shakhtar Donetsk in their 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League in midweek. However, neither have submitted an official bid for the player yet.

Could Liverpool end Manchester City's stranglehold in the Premier League this season?

Manchester City entered the record books last season by becoming the first team to win the Premier League for the fourth year in a row. They will be aiming to make it a record fifth consecutive title triumph this campaign, but are likely to face stiff competition from Liverpool.

The Reds roped in Arne Slot this summer to replace Jurgen Klopp, who left the club after nine seasons at Anfield. The Dutch manager has hit the ground running on Merseyside, registering eight wins from nine games so far.

Slot has the arsenal at his disposal to go all the way this year, although Manchester City aren't likely to give up without a fight. Interestingly, Liverpool last won the trophy in 2019/20 campaign, before City's record-breaking run.