Liverpool to compete with Serie A giants for Schalke youngster

Schalke 04 youngster Malick Thiaw has emerged today as a transfer target for Liverpool, however, the reds will face stiff competition from AC Milan for his signature.

According to Transfermarkt, Milan are eager to bring in the central defender during the Winter window, due to a distinct lack of defensive depth in their squad.

Despite this, Schalke are keen to keep Thiaw until the end of this campaign, who has started in every 2. Bundesliga game for them so far this season.

This would undoubtedly suit any move Liverpool would make for the centre-back, a position Jurgen Klopp’s team are currently stacked in.

Nevertheless, with Joe Gomez rumoured to depart in the summer, this could mean the Merseyside team are preparing moves in case this happens.

Additionally, Centre-backs who are further down the pecking order in Klopp’s plans like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are also being linked with moves away from Anfield, which would make a summer switch for Thiaw all the more likely.

But what would Thiaw bring to Liverpool’s setup that would warrant a move? Heaps load of potential, he is already being trusted as Schalke’s starting centre-back in their quest to return to the Bundesliga; they currently sit five points off top spot in fourth place.

The starlet has also burst onto the German U-21 national scene this season, making his debut in September, appearing for Antonio Di Salvo’s side six times and scoring twice.

He also could be secured on the cheap, with Schalke’s current eerie financial situation they would reportedly be willing to accept an offer in the region of £5 million.

Having said that, a move for the 20-year-old will largely depend on the departures of current out of favour centre-backs. However, Thiaw could prove to be a great addition to Liverpool’s squad if this is the case.