Heorhiy Sudakov sent a clear message to Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool after his stellar outing against LNZ Cherkasy.

In Shaktar's 5-1 win, the Ukrainian star was responsible for four goals, dicing up the defense seemingly with ease. Sudakov got the scoring started in the 13th minute, taking a backheel flick from Lassina Traora for a blast at the post and into the goal.

About 37 minutes later, Sudakov easily lasered in a shot from just inside the box past Yevhenii Kucherenko for his second goal of the match. Unhappy with just two goals, the 22-year-old lined up another, just three minutes later for his third of the match.

Finally, in the 57th minute, Sudakov put the final period in his message to the Reds, blasting a deflected shot from the goalkeeper into the back of the net. His outing against Cherkasy was a far cry from how he performed against Atalanta in the Champions League.

With scouts watching, the 22-year-old was nary a factor for Shaktar, with his side falling 3-0 to the Italian club. Even if he was not much of a presence in the loss, Liverpool are still keen to sign the Ukrainian at some point next year.

The Reds will have to move quickly, however, as Manchester City also are vying for the midfielder's services. City are planning on slotting Sudakov as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, especially as the club prepares for life without the star, according to Fichajes.

It has been reported that Arne Slot's side would be set back an estimated PS29.3million (EUR35 million). A price like that could infuse more talent into Slot's already dominant club, even in the early goings of the season.

The club's attention on Sudakov comes after it was reported that Liverpool no longer are targeting midfielder Merlin Rohl. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano believes the Reds have pivoted elsewhere.

"I've seen the stories about Liverpool's interest in Freiburg's Merlin Rohl, but at the moment I don't have confirmation on Liverpool working on this deal," he said. "Liverpool's focus is currently on different areas, but also for Rohl at the moment there are no concrete contacts ongoing."