Liverpool have reportedly been told they could land Schalke star Leon Goretzka because of Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool, Bayern and Barcelona are all in the running to sign Goretzka, who could leave Schalke this month. The midfielder has been the subject of a protracted transfer saga as he has entered the final six months of his Schalke contract, where he is now eligible to talk to non-German clubs about a potential free transfer at the end of the season.

The Reds believe that the German international has not yet committed his future and are hopeful of buying him. Reports from Germany over the festive period suggested that a deal to take Goretzka to Bayern Munich at the end of the season was already done.

The Sunday Mirror understands the growing emergence of Liverpool together with boss Jurgen Klopp’s presence has got Goretzka interested.

The Reds have been told they remain with a chance of signing him, due to the player’s admiration for Klopp. Speaking last month, the midfielder admitted he needed time to consider his options.

“I have to find out for myself what the next step should be,” Goretzka was quoted by Express.

“I have to consider a million things. I am a person who is very meticulous in such decisions. I play through all the scenarios. So I need time.

“There doesn’t exist a deadline, but I think we are in the final phase. The final decision will be made in January.”

Well, Liverpool could be in for some bad news after Bayern Munich executive board chairman, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitted they would be “crazy” not to be interested in Goretzka and is optimistic about hearing the midfielder’s final decision.

“We would be crazy if we did not think about signing a German international whose contract runs out [in the summer],” Rummenigge told Sky Sports (h/t Liverpool Echo).

“Now it is up to the player to decide, and it would be nice if he chose Bayern in the end. You only have an agreement when you sign the contract.

“All top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United or Juventus wanted him, so it is perfectly legal and normal that the top club from Germany is interested in this player, too. The decision will be taken in a few days.”

It remains to be seen what happens as we continue monitoring the German’s situation at Schalke.