Liverpool are interested in signing Hoffenheim star Christoph Baumgartner – but now face a battle with Manchester United and Leicester City.
That’s according to Sport Bild over in Germany, who claim that the interest in Baumgartner’s signature is ‘huge’.
It’s stated that Liverpool have Baumgartner on their transfer wish list this summer if they choose to sign a new midfielder.
This comes after Liverpool showed an interest in Baumgartner last summer.
United are also keen with Ralf Rangnick no doubt familiar with Baumgartner as one of the top midfielders in the Bundesliga.
Firm requests have come in from Sevilla and Leicester, meaning Liverpool face a battle with Brendan Rodgers this summer.
It’s stated that there is a release clause in Baumgartner’s contract worth around €30million (£25million) – but only to clubs in a specific league.
The report doesn’t name the leagues but you would imagine it would apply to Premier League and top Bundesliga clubs.
Baumgartner, 22, has scored six goals in 27 league games this season. Baumgartner has also notched six goals in 19 caps on the international stage for Austria.
An attack-minded midfielder who can even play out wide if needed, Baumgartner has been compared to Michael Ballack and Kai Havertz on the official Bundesliga website.
Liverpool chasing a new midfielder this summer surely depends on the future of James Milner.
Milner’s contract expires this summer and it’s unclear whether he will stay or go.
The veteran continues to play an important role in the Liverpool setup but may feel it’s time for something new after seven years at Anfield.
If Milner does leave, Liverpool may need another body in midfield and that’s where Baumgartner could come in.
Whilst a different type of player to Aurelien Tchouameni, Baumgartner would be much, much cheaper than the Monaco star.
That’s something for Liverpool to consider, with Baumgartner seemingly just one option for the Reds this summer.
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