Liverpool are ‘intensively negotiating’ with Schalke over Ozan Kabak as they try to get a deal over the line before today’s deadline.
That’s according Sky Sports Germany, who say the Reds are working on a last-minute move for the defender to solve their defensive crisis.
Kabak was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last summer, and those links reemerged earlier in this window as they sought out defensive cover for Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez following their long-term injuries.
The interest appeared to have disappeared or at least been left until the summer until an injury to Joel Matip against Tottenham forced Liverpool’s hand.
Sky Sports Germany insist they are in active negotiations with Schalke over a move and the pair are ‘intensively negotiating’ at this stage.
They add that the two clubs are talking about a loan deal with an option to buy, but a major hurdle is Jochen Schneider’s reluctance to sell without finding a replacement.
That will be difficult given the German transfer window closes at 6 pm UK time, with Schalke wanting to find that alternative by 4 pm at the latest.
One man who may fill the gap is Arsenal centre-back Shkodran Mustafi, with FussballTransfers reporting that he could part ways with the Gunners today.
That would leave him as a free agent and Schalke have already made an enquiry about the 28-year-old, whose arrival would leave Kabak free to join Liverpool.
