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Liverpool are still aiming to bring in two forwards before the transfer window shuts next week.

Liverpool remain in the market for one or two more attacking additions before the window closes, with Andoni Iraola continuing his rebuild of a side that has struggled in front of goal.

The Reds came in for criticism after an unconvincing opening-day draw on Tyneside, where Dominik Szoboszlai rescued a point for Liverpool against Newcastle United. Questions were raised in particular over the defensive midfield area, the full-backs and Florian Wirtz.

Even with those problems further back in the side, though, it appears the Merseyside club are still pursuing several options to strengthen their attack.

One player Iraola now looks unlikely to welcome to Merseyside, however, is Endrick.

The highly rated youngster has found it difficult to settle since joining Real Madrid from Palmeiras at the age of 18, and spent last season on loan at Lyon. ESPN Brazil recently reported that Liverpool were among a number of clubs keeping tabs on the striker as cover for the injured Hugo Ekitike.

Spanish publication El Desmarque has now carried comments from Los Blancos manager Mourinho that appear to rule out any departure for the Brazil international.

“I didn’t want to loan him out or sell him because I enjoy working with this young player who possesses significant talent,” the Special One said.

“I’m not sure if he’ll make Carlo Ancelotti’s first national team squad, but having a great friend as the national team coach [helps]. He is a player I like very much, one who has attracted interest from many clubs wanting him either on loan or via a permanent transfer.”

The 15-time European champions brought back the Portuguese icon during the summer, and despite attackers such as Vinicius Jr, Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler all being linked with moves away from Valdebebas, each of them has stayed at the club. Yan Diomande has also arrived from RB Leipzig in a nine-figure transfer.

Liverpool themselves had been strongly linked with Diomande for a long period before switching their focus towards Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh, both of whom could yet move to Merseyside before the deadline.

At present, Iraola has Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo competing for the centre-forward role, with Gakpo having been linked with a move away in recent weeks. Ekitike, meanwhile, is expected to miss most of the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in the Champions League last term.

While Real Madrid reserve striker Gonzalo Garcia has joined Fulham this summer, Endrick has been given the No. 9 shirt at the Bernabeu ahead of the new season.

According to Transfermarkt, the 20-year-old is valued at €40m. Liverpool return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest next weekend.