Liverpool facing battle to sign Julian Draxler

Manager Jurgen Klopp is eager to strengthen forward options in January with Sadio Mane set to miss up to six weeks of the season while at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Germany international Draxler had been identified by as a possible target by Klopp, although officials at PSG believe they will be able to get a deal over the line.

PSG are backed by the Qatar Investment Authority and are prepared to meet Wolfsburg £35m asking price as well as Draxler's wage demands.

Although the lure of working under compatriot Klopp at Liverpool, as opposed to under-pressure PSG boss Unai Emery, could yet influence Draxler's decision.

Draxler's flexibility to operate across forward areas alongside Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino makes him an attractive proposition for Klopp.

The 23-year-old began his career at Schalke where he rose through the youth ranks before making his Bundesliga debut in 2011.

Despite being consistently linked with Arsenal he was signed by Wolfsburg for £25.5m in August 2015 as a replacement for Manchester City bound Kevin De Bruyne.

The 2014 World Cup winner has spoken of his desire to leave Wolfsburg and made what is expected to be his last appearance for the club in their 2-1 victory over Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday.

"I am in talks with a couple of clubs, but so far no decision has been made," said Draxler. "We will all sit down and make a sensible decision that is suitable for us."

Liverpool retain an interest in Borussia Dortmund attacker Christian Pulisic having failed with a bid for the 18-year-old American in the last transfer window.

However, Klopp's former club are unwilling to do business with Liverpool unless they make an offer so good that the Bundesliga club would unable to refuse.

Source: Daily Express

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