Liverpool 'were lining up a big money bid for Tottenham forward Son Heung-min'

Liverpool 'were considering a bid for Son Heung-min this summer' had Tottenham not qualified for the Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp had reportedly identified Spurs' South Korean forward as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane or Mohamed Salah if they departed Anfield.

According to Football.London, Liverpool were prepared to test Spurs' resolve with a substantial bid for Son had they not finished in the top four.

However, after Son's 23 goals won him the Golden Boot - jointly with Salah - and helped Spurs into Europe's top competition, Liverpool ended their interest.

There was no guarantee that Son, 29, would have wanted to swap north London for Merseyside or even that Spurs would have entertained Liverpool's offer.

He also signed a contract extension through until 2025 just last year, meaning Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would have demanded top dollar for him.

Son scored both home and away against Liverpool last season and struck up a close bond with Italian boss Antonio Conte, who has committed to lead the club back into the Champions League next season.

The South Korean also laid on nine assists during the 2021-22 campaign, forging a strong relationship with Harry Kane in attack.

Tottenham are set to embark on a lucrative pre-season tour of Son's homeland in July, where they will play Team K League - an all-star side from the country's domestic league - and Spanish club Sevilla.

Mane's exit from Liverpool looks inevitable but the Reds want at least £35million for the Senegal forward if they are to consider a sale. Bayern Munich are keen to sign the 30-year-old and he is intrigued by the possibility.

However, Mane has yet to inform Liverpool of his intentions for the summer ahead.

Salah, 29, is entering the final year of his Liverpool contract and the Reds will be eager to hang on to a player who has scored 31 times for them in all competitions this season.