Liverpool confident of double German deal
Jurgen Klopp is closing in on a German double that will bring a world class talent to Anfield.
Liverpool manager Klopp believes he is in pole position to land Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze, despite massive interest across Europe in the man who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final.
There is growing confidence at Anfield they will land the high class 23-year-old — and that is matched by a belief they can also bring Germany left-back Jonas Hector to the Premier League.
Klopp sent two representatives to watch Cologne defender Hector playing for his country against England at the weekend, after monitoring his progress in establishing himself as his nation’s first choice.
But it is Gotze who will excite and inspire the Kop faithful, after the winger suggested recently he would love a move to the Premier League, and indicated he would like to play again under his former Dortmund boss.
He has fallen out of love with Bayern after clashing with current boss Pep Guardiola, and even though the German champions will welcome new manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season, Gotze has made it clear he wants to leave.
The exciting attacker is refusing to sign a new contract, and with just 12 months left on his current deal, Bayern know they will have to cash in this summer if they want to recoup some of the £30m they paid for him.
Gotze was at his best under Klopp at Dortmund, but has made only 12 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern this season, and that has affected his prospects of playing for Germany at the Euros.
While he was only a sub against England at the weekend, Hector played the whole game and now looks certain to be his country’s first choice in the summer.
The versatile 25-year-old can also comfortably perform the holding midfield role, and Klopp – who has monitored Hector during this season – has been told Cologne will do business at £12m.
While that sum is above Liverpool’s valuation the Reds boss may be tempted to pay up for the left-back before he heads off to the Euros, where Germany are among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Source: Daily Mirror
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.