Premier League target Malick Thiaw will stay at Schalke despite interest from Liverpool, Everton and West Ham United, coach Dimitrios Grammozis tells Der Westen.
Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds missed out on a deal for Thiaw during the summer of 2020. Two years on, it looks like history is about to repeat itself.
Despite suggestions that one of the most talented young defenders in the country could be available for as little as £4 million due to Schalke’s precarious financial situation, the Germany U21 international is staying put for the time being.
Liverpool have been linked in recent weeks, as have Merseyside neighbours Everton (Sport1).
According to Tuttomercatoweb, West Ham had expressed their interest too.
Hammers boss David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to bring in some defensive cover this month, particularly with Angelo Ogbonna sidelined and Issa Diop emerging as a target for Newcastle United.
But, with just over 12 hours remaining before Monday’s deadline, Schalke have seemingly closed the door on Thiaw’s exit.
Is Malick Thiaw staying in the Bundesliga.2?
“He has developed very well,” beams Grammozis.
“As a coach, I have expressed my opinion on (his future) internally. Of course, the club also has to consider other aspects – and not just the sporting side.
“That’s why I’m very happy that Malick will stay at Schalke and that I’ll continue to work with him.”
At just 20 years of age, Thiaw has started every single one of Schalke’s 20 Bundesliga.2 games this season.
The 2011 Champions League semi-finalists are well-placed to secure an immediate return to Germany’s top flight, sitting fourth in the table and only five points adrift of league-leaders Darmstadt.
Liverpool will, however, snap up another highly-rated talent on deadline day. The mercurial Fabio Carvalho is following in Harvey Elliott’s footsteps, swapping Fulham for Anfield.
But will Everton make any moves of their own? Following the impending appoint of Frank Lampard as Rafa Benitez’s replacement?
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