LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Kloop is planning a transfer swoop for starlet Malick Thiaw from Schalke after seeing similarities between the 18-year-old and current Reds defender Joel Matip, according to reports.
Thiaw has only featured once in the Bundesliga so far, but the highly-rated defender has already drawn much attention for his talents.
Liverpool plan transfer swoop for young star Malick Thiaw who is just 18 years old and plays for SchalkeCredit: Getty
Matip, who plays as a centre-back for the Reds, also began his career with Schalke back in 2009 and Klopp thinks Thiaw could be just as good, according to The Mirror.
Thiaw, who stands at 6ft 3in, has been described as a powerful defender who is also versatile and able to play as a defensive midfielder.
Liverpool scouts have been keeping a close eye on the young ace, it’s claimed.
He has a release clause of £7million on his contract that comes to an end in June next year.
However, German giants Schalke are said to be planning to tie Thiaw down to a long-term contract with an even bigger release clause.
Negotiations for a new deal are currently still in progress as Klopp plays it out and tries to make the most of the situation.
Thiaw does not have a huge amount of professional experience, but Klopp believes Liverpool could be making a solid long-term signing.
Especially if he is able to follow in the footsteps of Matip, who went on to play for Cameroon’s national team and be capped 27 times.
Current Reds defender Dejan Lovren is rumoured to be leaving Anfield this summer due to a lack of first team action and Thiaw could be an ideal replacement.
According to Spanish media outlet Don Balon, the Croatian will be able to leave the club after just nine Premier League starts this season.
He formed a great partnership with Virgil Van Dijk last year and enjoyed Champions League success in 2018 with the squad.
But a number of under par performances meant he slowly found his way to the bench.
Both Arsenal and Tottenham have expressed their interest in Lovren, but it is still yet to unfold how much Klopp would get for the 30-year-old defender.
Not only that, but both London clubs face competition with Lazio also interested, according to Italian outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
