Liverpool transfer target Malick Thiaw on interest from Premier League champions

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool are facing an injury crisis with centre-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez unlikely to play again this season.

With Joel Matip as their only remaining senior centre-back, who himself has a history of injury struggles, many believe the Reds will be active in the January transfer window.

Having passed on the chance to sign a defender in the summer, Jurgen Klopp will be forced to reconsider now.

A rumoured target, Schalke’s Malick Thiaw, has responded to speculation linking him with the champions.

The talented 19-year-old signed a new deal with Schalke in the summer, seemingly ending all speculation on his future for the moment.

But Sport Bild have claimed that Liverpool’s scouts have maintained ‘regular contact’ with the player.

“Of course you’re happy when big clubs are after you, but it was actually clear to me that I would stay at Schalke,” Thiaw told Schalke TV.

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The youngster also faces a dilemma in choosing which national team to represent.

Thiaw is eligible to play for Germany, Senegal and Finland.

But, he is yet to decide where he sees his international football taking place.

“I’m currently in consultations with my family,” he said.