
Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool transfer news: Jurgen Klopp given cause for optimism as relentless midfield target disputes Bayern ‘deal’ claim

Liverpool are reportedly still keen on RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer who is open to all offers when his contract expires next summer.
The 25-year-old is currently in his sixth season with Die Roten Bullen after moving from Red Bull Salzburg in June 2017. He penned an initial four-year contract before extending that deal until 2023. There is no sign of fresh terms being agreed at Red Bull Arena.
And it seems likely that he will be moving on a free transfer at the end of 2022-2023.
Having spent so long in the Bundesliga, it is no surprise that Bayern Munich have been watching his progress.
And the German giants have Laimer ‘at the top of the list’, according to SportBILD.
Manager Julian Nagelsmann is said to be a huge admirer of the talented schemer and has urged the club’s hierarchy to make a deal happen.
It had also been suggested that the Austria interantional has a verbal agreement with the Bavarians to join them next summer.
However, when asked on his plans, he said “nothing has been decided and nothing is excluded,” according to Sky Sports Austria.
That appears to be good news for the Anfield giants who, SportBILD add, are ‘still dabbling’ in the matter.
The Reds still have hope of luring him to Merseyside despite the obvious pull of Bayern.
Laimer future up in the air
Laimer is currently able to negotiate with clubs around Europe from January 1 onwards. He is unlikely to renew his deal at Leipzig and so an exit is on the cards.
Bayern clearly hold all the aces despite his latest comments. And it may be that he ends up at Allianz Arena.
However, Liverpool seem back in the race having explored the idea of a bid last summer.
They opted against that but ‘did major work’ on a possible move for the player, according to Graeme Bailey.
The north-west giants have other midfield targets. But Laimer would be a free transfer unless they opt for a January move.
He would not break the bank, with a price tag of around £18m mooted for the former Liefering player. That would be a bargain for someone of Laimer’s quality.
Laimer ready for festive return
Laimer has made 167 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig, scoring 11 goals.
Having missed most of the 2020-2021 campaign with a knee injury, he returned to enjoy 43 outings in all competitions last term.
However, injury problems struck once again this season. The Austrian injured ankle ligaments at the end of September has not played competitively since.
However, with Austria failing to qualify for the World Cup, he has time to recover for the season re-start next month.
And reports are encouraging, with the Salzburg-born star said to be ready to return to action.
Whether the Reds make a move in January only time will tell. But Bayern’s previous claims that they already have a verbal agreement now seem wide of the mark.
And Jurgen Klopp might finally get the midfield reinforcement he craves.