Liverpool are reportedly the frontrunners in the pursuit of Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka but the latest news would be a source of frustration for the Liverpool fans.

According to the latest reports from Sky Sports, Liverpool’s eternal rivals Manchester United are throwing their hat into the ring to sign the midfielder on a Bosman transfer next summer.

The 22-year-old midfielder is the toast of Europe now considering the interesting state of his contract. His current deal with Schalke is set to finish at the end of the season and the highly-rated German has already rejected new terms with the Bundesliga side.

That could well mean that Goretzka has set his sights on leaving the club on a free transfer next summer, which makes January a very important window for him. He is free to talk to clubs outside Germany in the winter and any of those non-German clubs could enter into a pre-contract agreement.

Will that be Liverpool? After rejecting Schalke’s offer of a massive pay rise – and we do not know how much rise that is – Goretzka is reportedly being tracked by Juventus, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer considering his close association with Bundesliga. However, the line for his signature is already long with some very illustrious clubs chasing the midfielder.

Add Manchester United also to the list; although this is one name I am sure is just pulled in by the rumor mill to increase competition. Another reason I am confident about this move is the presence of Klopp.

The German has a great record of snaring youngsters from the clutches of the competition purely because of his illustrious history of working and developing youngsters. Be it Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, or even Virgil van Dijk – the list of players who have preferred Liverpool is long.

However, that shouldn’t make us complacent and I believe we should make a move sooner to make sure that we are not left behind in the race.

One thing is for certain – Goretzka is sure to follow Joel Matip and Sead Kolasinac in moving out of Schalke for free. If Liverpool do not make a quick move, I am afraid we could remain spectators in this chase.

What do you think?