The Premier League champions have entered the fray to sign highly-rated Schalke defender Ozan Kabak as Dejan Lovren’s replacement. With the Croatian reported to be close to sealing a move to Zenit Saint Petersburg, the Reds’ would be in the need of another first-team center-back option.
A number of defenders have been linked with a move to Liverpool FC in recent weeks. Diego Carlos and Aissa Mandi have been shortlisted by Jurgen Klopp as possible transfer targets this summer. However, Carlos’ £50 million price-tag has meant the Reds are likely to end interest in signing the Sevilla defender.
According to reports, Kabak is valued in the region of £40 million by Schalke. Klopp is likely to refuse to pay such an amount to sign the 20-year old Turkish international. However, the Liverpool FC boss will hope to chalk out a cheaper deal for the center-back.
Schalke are rumored to be open to the idea of selling their prized defensive talents this summer. The German side could be compelled to sell Kabak due to the financial toil upon the club. Schalke have failed to qualify for even the next season’s Europa League due to their 12th-placed finish in the Bundesliga.
As a result of missing out on European football next season, the Bundesliga outfit are expected to offload certain players to raise funds. Sanctioning the sale of Kabak this summer could bring in a sizeable transfer fee for the German side.
The 20-year old defender signed for Schalke only last summer for a fee of €15 million. Kabak has been a solid performer for his side in an otherwise miserable league campaign for the Miners. In 26 Bundesliga appearances made by the Turkish international this season, he has found the back of the net thrice, in addition to his defensive duties.
Speculation indicates that the Reds’ have initiated discussions with Schalke over Kabak’s availability this summer. Despite no major breakthrough in securing a deal for the 20-year old, Klopp is optimistic about the chances of signing the center-back for the Reds.
