Liverpool centre-back target makes decision as £22m move nears

Rob McCarthy 18 Dec 2020 2:35 PM

Liverpool transfer target Ozan Kabak is reportedly ready to make a decision about his future, with a move very close.

Kabak has been one of a number of centre-backs linked with a move to Anfield, following the long-term injuries suffered by Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.

But the 20-year-old Schalke star appears to have settled on a move to Italian giants AC Milan instead.

The Rossoneri are enjoying a return to past glories. They currently sit top of Serie A and are one of the favourites to win the Europa League.

A report in the Daily Express states that Kabak will complete a move to the San Siro worth around £22m, having previously praised Milan chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara.

Another main reason for the player wanting to move is due to the fact that Schalke sit bottom of the Bundesliga.

FIFA agent Gaetano Di Caro told Milannews.it: “From what I heard, and I spoke personally to the Schalke general manager about some transfer interest, he’s been in talks with Milan for some time.

“Here in Germany they are certain Milan are already very close to Kabak. The Rossoneri have been after him for a while and were already close when Stuttgart were relegated. But he followed his director to Schalke.

“I also heard that Kabak praised Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara. They were the only club that gave him a real sense they wanted him at all costs.

“Schalke are bottom of the table, they have a lot of debt and their financial situation means they can’t really rebuff Milan for long.

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Better chance of Milan game time

“There was a bit of interest from Juventus. But the player knows he’s got a much better chance of playing regularly for Milan. All indications point to the Rossoneri.

“Schalke set a price-tag of €30m in the summer plus bonuses, but considering the current financial and sporting situation at Schalke, I’d say they’ll let him go for circa €23-25m.”

Kabak’s imminent Italy switch likely means that Klopp will look elsewhere for reinforcements.

However, he was buoyed by the performance of Rhys Williams in the impressive win over Tottenham. Nat Phillips remains another option for the Reds boss, if he decides against any additions.

Ozan Kabak