LIVERPOOL have reportedly launched a move for Germany international Antonio Rudiger.
The central defender is currently on loan at Roma from Stuttgart but the Italian outfit have a compulsory purchase option worth £7million this summer and could make a quick profit by immediately selling him on.
Rudiger, who has represented his country nine times since making his debut two years ago, has been a permanent fixture for Roma this season, scoring two goals in 29 league appearances, while also playing in all of the club’s Champions League matches.
Liverpool could be set for a battle, however, as incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte also fancies the 23-year-old and sees him as an ideal replacement for John Terry who looks certain to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
CalcioMercatoWeb claim: “Liverpool have inquired about Rudiger’s availability and are ready to offer around £15m for the German defender.
“Reds boss Jurgen Klopp coached against Rudiger’s Stuttgart teams during his tenure at Dortmund and is fond of the 23-year old star.”
With doubts surrounding the futures of Liverpool’s Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho, Klopp is likely to priorities defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
Toure is out of contract at the end of the campaign, Skrtel could be sold, while Sakho – currently under a 30-day suspension for failing a drugs test – could be hit with a lengthy ban.
Schalke’s Joel Matip has already been snapped up on a free transfer as the Anfield club prepare for a major overhaul at the end of the season.
Liverpool fans, should Klopp sign Rudiger?
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