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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Parsons

Divock Origi keen for Liverpool exit this summer but obstacle in way of Serie A switch

Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi is about to spark a Serie A bidding war - but his big wages could scupper a transfer.

Origi, 26, looks set to leave Anfield on a free transfer as his contract expires this summer.

The Belgian striker is into his seventh year on Merseyside but is unlikely to renew his current deal.

He will go down in folklore with Liverpool supporters for a host of memorable moments, most notably Champions League goals against Barcelona and Tottenham helping the Reds secure their sixth European crown in 2019.

And according to reports, the forward is now set to pursue a new challenge in Italy.

HAVE YOUR SAY! What is your favourite Divock Origi moment at Liverpool? Comment below

TuttomercatoWeb claims Origi is being chased by both Napoli and Atalanta ahead of the summer window.

Atalanta are said to hold a long standing interest after enquiring about Origi last year, while the striker has also been identified as a possible replacement for Premier League-linked Victor Osimhen in Naples.

But Origi's wages could prove a potential stumbling a block in any deal.

The report states Origi currently earns €4.5m per-year at Anfield (£3.75m), while Napoli are only willing to spend above their €3m (£2.5m) per-year limit on one player.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has previously branded Origi 'one of the best finishers' he has ever seen and believes he deserves more regular game time under another manager.

Origi has only made four substitute appearances in the league this season, but has still made a distinct impact.

His last-minute winner away at Wolves secured a crucial win for the Reds in December.

"(Origi) is an incredible striker and for different reasons he did not play that often, but I hope one day he finds a manager that plays him more than I do," Klopp said after the Wolves win.

"He's one of the best finishers I've ever seen in my life.

"In this great team, with our (front) three, he doesn't play all the time but he is a very positive boy, loves the club, wants to contribute and he did in an incredible way."

Origi scored a crucial last minute winner against Wolves earlier this season (Getty Images)

Origi's longer-term future may be up in the air but his imminent role is providing a key difference for Liverpool with the title race wide open.

His impact from the bench helped Klopp's men swat aside Norwich at Anfield on Saturday to reduce the gap to champions Manchester City at the summit to just six points.

And with Roberto Firmino out injured, Origi could be utilised further as back up in this decisive period with Liverpool chasing another Premier League crown.

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