With Virgil van Dijk out for the rest of the season and Liverpool’s other centre back options less than perfect, the Reds are expected to be busy in January.
Finding a long-term partner – and replacement at this stage – for the Dutchman has become something of a priority for Jürgen Klopp, who is facing criticism for not doing so this summer.
Several names have been mooted as potential targets and among them is Schalke’s Ozan Kabak, who has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time.
Reports about Liverpool’s interest first emerged last year and have not gone away since, with claims towards the end of October stating that it is no secret they like him and were looking at a potential €35m+ deal.
There’s been no movement on that front for now, but it seems likely that the rumours will continue to swirl in the coming months, particularly as we edge closer to the January transfer window.
Whether the interest is genuine remains to be seen, but it seems if Liverpool do make their move, they will not face significant resistance.
Instead, Schalke Director of Football Jochen Schneider has hinted they would open to considering a deal as a result of the current economic climate.
“Milan knocked at the very end of the transfer period in the summer, which was out of the question for us,” he told WAZ.
“I’ve only read what has been written in the last ten days.
“We are still in economically challenging times, which you can see from the fact that this season may have to be played to the end without any spectators.
“I cannot and do not want to rule out anything.”
