Liverpool are believed to be interested in FC Schalke 04 central defender Malick Thiaw.
This comes as the 20-year-old opens talks regarding a move to AC Milan but there could yet be a twist as the Reds watch on.
Having come to the fore in recent months following the departure of former Liverpool loanee Ozan Kabak, Thiaw is enjoying an impressive 2021/22 2. Bundesliga campaign.
According to Manuele Baiocchini of Sky Italia (via MilanNews) and as cited by Milan Eye on Twitter, the Anfield club could yet move for the starlet.
🚨 Milan are in talks with Schalke for their young defender Malick Thiaw. They face strong competition from Liverpool
[@SkySport] pic.twitter.com/Vytwxrfws2
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) January 25, 2022
Baiocchini cites ‘strong competition’ from Merseyside for the six-cap Germany Under 21 international as AC Milan attempt to get the deal over the line.
This season Thiaw – tipped to become an ‘outstanding star’ by SportMob – has earned a 7.13 Sofascore rating from 20 league outings.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Valued at just £4.5million and under contract in Germany until 2024 (Transfermarkt), this would be a hugely attainable transfer for Liverpool to complete.
However, Liverpool currently have at least six senior central defenders on the books following the return of Rhys Williams, it’s likely the club will be in the market to offload and not add.
Having most likely caught the eye whilst observing Kabak, given the age, profile and ability of Thiaw it’s clear to see why the Reds would be interested but this is an opportunity that the club may have to forgo at this stage.
