Crystal Palace no longer appear to be in the race to sign Ozan Kabak, with Leicester City and Sevilla the sole remaining suitors for the Schalke defender, according to Calciomercato.
The Italian publication report it is now a two-horse race between Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes and Julen Lopetegui’s Los Nervionenses. Milan previously held an interest in the Turkish centre-half to strengthen Stefano Pioli’s plans at the San Siro, but have also withdrawn.
Kabak was free to move to the Serie A this summer after Liverpool elected against using their option to buy. Sky Sports reported upon his arrival in February that the Anfield side obtained an £18m clause in their £1m half-season loan that could have reached £26.5m.
Kabak became a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Liverpool with nine starts over 11 possible Premier League games. But a muscle injury kept the 12-cap international out of the final five fixtures, of which the Reds won all.
Liverpool’s decision to send Kabak back to Germany then left the Schalke defender with an uncertain future. After dropping into the second-tier, Die Konigsblauen cannot afford to pay Kabak’s wage. They even confirmed they instructed him to find a new club last month.
A return to Liverpool soon emerged, with Goal reporting Shackle offered Kabak for just £8.5m. Slightly more than Bild report Crystal Palace offered, with the Eagles bidding €8m (£7m) earlier this month. Yet, seemingly, Patrick Vieira’s proposal was not enough.
Leicester now only have to battle Sevilla to bring Kabak back to the Premier League, as Rodgers seeks defensive support. But, it appears, the Foxes prefer Jannik Vestergaard. The Athletic report they bid £15m for the Southampton defender, but must pay at least £18m.
Schalke outcast Kabak a cheap alternative to sold Leicester defensive crisis
Rodgers is in desperate need for defensive reinforcements after losing Wesley Fofana into the new year through a pre-season injury. Leicester could land a cheap solution in Kabak if Schalke are willing to sanction his exit for £8.5m, then.
Vestergaard is likely the favourite to arrive, as the Foxes’ bid was only marginally below Southampton’s valuation. But Kabak is still worth Leicester considering now that Crystal Palace appear to have withdrawn from the race.
Kabak did a solid job for Liverpool having been rushed into a new division mid-way through the campaign. The Turkey international was often an assured presence in Klopp’s backline, and received the German’s praise upon his arrival. “He’s really a big, big talent,” Klopp said, via LiverpoolFC.com.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
