Liverpool have opened the bidding for in-demand Schalke winger Leroy Sane, according to BILD.
The Reds have reportedly submitted a £10.5m offer for the Germany international, which was rejected "out of hand" by his club.
It is said the Merseyside club will try their luck again as they look to add to their squad during the January transfer window.
However,
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal are both reported
admirers of the 19-year-old and could try to muscle in on any deal.
United are in pole position for Sane, according to the report, although it is thought that Jurgen Klopp's influence could swing the deal in Liverpool's favour.
Sane has emerged from Julian Draxler's shadow to score five goals and lay on four more in 10 league and Europa League stars this season.
The Schalke youth product was
rewarded for his fine form with his first senior international cap in
Germany's 2-0 defeat to France on Friday.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's alleged interest in Napoli winger Dries Mertens could come to nothing, after the Italians' sporting director confirmed the club are working on a new contract for the Belgium international.
“There’s a willingness on our part to keep him, and also on his part to stay,” Cristiano Giuntoli told Radio Crc, as quoted by the Express.
“We’re working, and we’re confident that there will be no problems. There’s no need for new meetings, the intention is to continue together.”
Mertens,
who's previously admitted being interested in a move to the Premier
League, has scored four goals and contributed one assist at club level
this term.
SOURCE: 90min.com