Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp 'hoping to use Borussia Dortmund ties' to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

He could fund the transfer by selling Daniel Sturridge

Aubameyang has scored over 100 goals since signing for Dortmund in 2013 (Bongarts/Getty Images)

Liverpool are said to have joined the race to sign Borussia Dortmund's in-demand forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Jurgen Klopp signed the Gabon international for the Bundesliga side in 2013 and his relationship with the player could help a deal go through.

The German manager would help fund an expected £40m transfer by selling Daniel Sturridge, according to The Sun.

Aubameyang tops the Bundesliga scoring charts this season with 17 goals and scored four more as Dortmund topped their Champions League group which contained defending champions Real Madrid.

Despite his efforts, Dortmund are struggling in the league this year and with the threat they may miss out on European competition next year Aubameyang has been open about his desire to leave.

"If I want to go to the next level, I need to leave in summer," he told French radio station RMC in January.

But amid interest from Liverpool and Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, Aubameyang says he has his heart set on Spain.

"[If I am to leave] we must see the proposals and if I'm going to play. Real Madrid is still a dream, but there has been too much noise."

Madrid will be able to sign players once again this summer after their Fifa transfer ban expires in July.