After watching his first-half performance against Liverpool in the Champions League, there is little surprise in past transfer links to Johan Bakayoko. Perhaps the Reds will now pay attention to the 21-year-old's 'come and get me' plea of sorts, made several months ago.

Arne Slot named a weakened squad to travel to the Netherlands this midweek, choosing to rest key Liverpool starters ahead of important Premier League and Carabao Cup semi-final fixtures. Not only has this opened opportunities for the Reds' young talent to shine, but also that of PSV Eindhoven.

Pivotal in the Dutch team's attack is the Belgian, Bakayoko, who moved onto seven goals for the season with his equalising strike at the Philips Stadion on Wednesday.

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The right-winger latched onto a knockdown from another rumoured target, Ricardo Pepi, took one touch to take Jarell Quansah and Andy Robertson out of the equation, then produced a finish beyond a rooted Caoimhin Kelleher. TNT Sports' pundits were certainly impressed.

"He has been probably their one and only threat. This was nice into Pepi, just shields it, off his shoulder. This was nice - his awareness to send the two defenders flying and this finish was beautiful. Almost scooping it, shovelling it with his right foot. Meaning it, of course, into the right side-netting. Lovely finish to draw them level," commented Steve McManaman.

At half-time, Joe Cole added: "He was making movement, getting in-between Quansah and Robertson. Great touch from Pepi there and he sat them down there. It is great from this angle. This touch out the feet, committed the defenders, 'sit down chaps' and he finds the side-netting. It was a beautiful finish."

Bakayoko has long been talked about as a Liverpool star of tomorrow - or a future star of many Premier League teams, for that matter.

It just so happens that as things stand Slot and Co. will find themselves short of a new right-winger come July 1. That is if Mohamed Salah does not agree to stay beyond that date.

And Bakayoko, talking to Eindhovens Dagblad last summer, has already alerted his suitors to a growing ambition to make the next step in his career.

"It is also possible that I will leave next year, but I still have to discuss it carefully with my agent. It will also partly depend on PSV, where I will play next season," said the Belgium international.

"I can handle a place at the top. If I were to leave Eindhoven, it would only be to a club that plays for trophies, just like PSV. Becoming champion is what I want. And win the Champions League. I have the qualities for that.

"PSV has won the title and achieved something again in Europe. That mission has been completed, but now we have to see whether there will be a next mission and what the club has left for me."

Doing his latest bit of talking on the European stage against Liverpool themselves, Bakayoko could find himself the focus of a transfer storm this summer.