Earlier this week, we covered claims made in Italy that Liverpool’s ‘interest is strong’ in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Denis Zakaria.
The midfielder’s contract expires next June and his refusal to sign an extension so far has seen him emerge as a target for other clubs.
According to Calciomercato, Juventus, who are looking for low-cost operations in January, have identified the 25-year-old and his club teammate, Kouadio Koné, as targets.
The Serie A side are ‘serious’ about Zakaria and have ‘intensified contacts’ for his signing since they ‘want him immediately’.
Juventus, though, are not the only side chasing the Switzerland international. There is AS Roma and ‘above all Liverpool broke in’. With the Reds and José Mourinho’s side also in picture, the Old Lady need to act fast.
To do that, they must present a proposal, both economically and sporting wise, that is ‘better than’ that of the Merseyside club. That, as per the report, is ‘very difficult, but not impossible’.
Zakaria recently changed agents and is now represented by HCM Sports Management. As per Gladbach Live, the player’s decision to have a new agent before the January window doesn’t rule out the possibility of him signing an extension at the German club.
However, the representatives are indicating a departure from the Bundesliga side is ‘very likely’, with the likes of Liverpool and several other clubs believed to be interested in the player.
They point out talk of a €12m offer, and Zakaria and his advisors are ‘supposed to “facilitate” the decision to say yes to an offer’.
It’s further explained clubs in England find the Swiss midfielder ‘so exciting’, and that they could look to sign him next month. There’s no mention of which club[s].
Gladbach Live further state: ‘Ultimately, this is a balancing act. Move and gain planning security. Or continue to gamble – with the risk of gambling away in the end’.
Several factors indicate Zakaria will not renew his contract. Mönchengladbach now have a decision to make on whether to retain him until next summer and let him for for free, or cash in from his sale in January.
