Harry Diamond
Schalke will apparently ask for Divock Origi in part-exchange with the Bundesliga side braced for a winter window bid from Liverpool for centre-back Ozan Kabak.
Liverpool are believed to be considering as many as ‘five or six’ centre-back options ahead of the opening of the transfer window next month, with the Premier League champions having seen their resources depleted following long-term injuries to both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Joel Matip is currently the only senior centre-back at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal, though midfielder Fabinho has impressed in a deeper role alongside the Cameroonian in recent months.
One name who has been routinely linked with a move to Merseyside is Schalke defender Kabak, the youngster having attracted interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs – including AC Milan – despite the faltering fortunes of the German outfit.
Schalke have failed to win in their opening 13 fixtures of the campaign and are currently rooted to the bottom of the Bundesliga, with the Telegraph reporting the club would be keen on a player in exchange from Liverpool in a bid to boost their hopes of survival, with Origi said to be heading the list.
The Belgium international has featured for just seven minutes in the Premier League this season across two substitute appearances, after falling down the pecking order at Anfield following the summer signing of Diogo Jota.
Origi remains a popular figure at the club following his role in the Reds’ recent successes, but may seek regular first-team football next month as he bids to boost his hopes of making the Belgium squad for next summer’s European Championships.
The 25-year-old has previous experience of German football having spent a season on loan at Wolfsburg during the 2017/18 campaign, scoring six goals in 31 appearances.
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