Liverpool has officially launched a bid for Schalke attacking midfielder Leroy Sane, ahead of Manchester United.
The 19-year-old German ace is currently one of the hottest properties in Europe while Manchester United are said to be one of the highly interested clubs.
Last week reports arrived that the Germany international who has already earned one international cap for Germany following his impressive performance in Bundesliga is now a top priority for United boss van Gaal in the January transfer window.
However, German media outlet Bild claims that another Premier League club Liverpool stepped forward by offering an official bid of around £10million.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is said to be a long-term admirer of the Schalke winger after watching his gradual improvement as a youngster in Bundesliga.
However, Leroy Sane was one of the players who were linked with Liverpool immediately after Klopp’s appointment as Anfield’s new manager.
The German manager’s links to Bundesliga have placed Sane as an obvious target in January and it is also suggested Klopp would prefer to bring in players outside his former club Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp has earlier insisted he will not raid Dortmund for their star players. Although that’s not been able to stop the rumours as Marco Reus and Neven Subotic both said to be interested in a reunion with their old manager.
The German youngster is basically a left winger but is extremely versatile while playing on the right or just operating behind the striker.
He has scored 14 times playing 33 games for Schalke senior squad while nine of those came in 18 appearances this season.
Germany boss Joachim Low also hailed Sane’s qualities recently and explained why the young lad is such a special talent. Low told reporters: “He [Sane] has a special gift and finesse, speed paired with technique and strong running.
“Leroy [is] incredibly good [at] running into space and, with his speed, he has acquired this very well”.
Earlier Schalke director of sport, Horst Heldt confirmed that Liverpool were interested in signing the young German over the summer but said their offer then didn’t interest the club.
“Liverpool were ready to pay for him [Sane], but the offer didn’t interest us or the player.” But now it seems things have changed a bit.