Liverpool fans will be all too familiar with the name Bernard.
The Brazilian owns a place on the extensive list of resurfacing ‘transfer targets’, spearheaded by the likes of Christian Tello, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Christian Pulisic and, dare we say, Marco Reus.
Undying talk of a move to England has so far failed to materialise for Bernard, with the 25-year-old having been plying his trade for Shakhtar Donetsk since 2013.
That trend could be broken when his contract with the Ukrainian club expires at the end of the month, paving the way for a new challenge.
The playmaker’s availability is attracting interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and clubs from China, according to Mediaset journalist Andersinho Marques.
🇧🇷#Bernard do #Shaktar está entre #Liverpool, #Arsenal e China.
Bernard tra: LFC, Arsenal e Cina. #calciomercato#transfermarkt#marcadodabola@PremiumSportHD
— Andersinho Marques (@Andersinho_ITA) May 31, 2018
At the very minimum, it seems likely Bernard is merely one name on a lengthy shortlist of possibilities as Jurgen Klopp seeks to add creativity to his ranks this summer.
Liverpool are expected to intensify their efforts to sign Lyon’s Nabil Fekir, who has emerged as the leading candidate to inject greater attacking strength in depth.
It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman would serve as the Reds’ direct replacement for Philippe Coutinho given the added goal-scoring prowess designed to ease the responsibility on the shoulders of the club’s front three.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to be linked to Borussia Dortmund’s £50million-rated Christian Pulisic as well as Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembélé, who could be available on loan.