Liverpool Transfer News: Latest on Marco Reus and Leroy Sane Rumours

Liverpool are reportedly hoping to recruit Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus, but they will only be able to do so if Arsenal can secure his team-mate, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, at the same time.

According to Heiko Ostendorp of German outlet Sport Bild (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw), the pair "have made a pact to not leave the club unless the other is also leaving" with the Reds targeting Reus and the Gunners eyeing up Aubameyang.

Football writer Dave O'Connell also relayed the story, and he included a picture of their memorable "Batman and Robin" goal celebration:

Despite his obvious world-class talent, Reus has remained at BVB while a number of their best players, such as Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze, have been cherry-picked in recent years.

WhoScored.com illustrated his exceptional creativity and ran the rule over his key strengths:

In 138 appearances for Dortmund, the 26-year-old holds an incredible record of 65 goals and 47 assists. The German international has already racked up 12 and two this season, respectively.

By contrast, none of Liverpool's players have managed more than four tallies in all competitions, and in the Premier League, the Reds have scored just 13—the same as struggling Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Reus would undoubtedly be the club's best player, and the addition of such a marquee name would likely have a profound effect on the whole team, not least their play in the final third.

The winger previously enjoyed a successful spell under manager Jurgen Klopp during his time at the Westfalenstadion, so he may well be tempted by the prospect of reuniting with his former mentor.

However, the supposed pact complicates matters, and the Bundesliga club will be even more reluctant to lose two of their star players.

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

An alternative to Reus could be Schalke's Leroy Sane, but the Reds will reportedly face stiff competition from rivals Manchester United, according to the Sun (via James Whaling of the Daily Mirror).

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene last season with nine goals and three assists in all competitions, including a memorable strike in Schalke's Champions League victory against Real Madrid, which drew praise from Bundesliga expert Clark Whitney:

Sane has continued his impressive development, and the winger has found the net five times this season, as well as creating four goals for his team-mates. He is a particularly strong dribbler. As evidenced by Squawka's report, he has completed 36 take-ons in 12 Bundesliga appearances this term.

The German could serve as a replacement for Raheem Sterling following his departure in the summer, though United have a similar need for his talents and could prove equally tempting.

If Liverpool aren't able to land Reus, they should move quickly if they're to secure Sane ahead of their rivals.