Liverpool Transfer News: Louis Van Gaal Wants Reds Target Leroy Sane Rumours

Manchester United will battle Liverpool for the services of teenage sensation Leroy Sane after the player made his debut for Germany. 

The Sun On Sunday reported Red Devils coach Louis van Gaal has sent scouts to watch the talent feature for Bundesliga outfit Schalke, and the midfielder would cost in the region of £12 million. Sane would also be eligible to feature in the Champions League this term, making him an attractive proposition to United.

German publication Bild (h/t Jonathan Green of the Daily Star) said Liverpool were "leading the race" to capture the prodigy, and senior Anfield figures are trying to make him manager Jurgen Klopp's first signing. The Reds have previously attempted to sign the 19-year-old, placing an £11 million bid in the summer that was rejected. 

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Sane came on for Germany in their recent friendly with France, and national coach Joachim Low was hugely complimentary about the player before the game, per Nicholas Godden of the MailOnline:

"

Leroy has an incredibly good feeling when it comes to running into space and, with his speed, he has acquired this very well.

He has shown the quality that he has in the final third third and in the Bundesliga matches that we have observed, he has simply convinced us.

He is a player with a special gift and finesse, speed paired with technique and strong running—at just 19. He can make the jump with us very quickly.

"

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Godden noted Liverpool have been long-term admirers of the highly rated player, and Klopp is very familiar with Sane's talents. Manchester City and Arsenal are also said to be interested parties as the midfielder's reputation increases. 

In an article for ESPN FC, European football writer Michael Yokhin proclaimed Sane could turn into an outstanding player, and spoke about his Champions League debut against Real Madrid last season:

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In one of the most remarkable Champions League debuts ever, the 19-year-old produced an absolutely brilliant performance. He was everywhere across the attack, fought for every ball and scored a majestic goal with a curling shot into the far corner from the edge of the area that gave goalkeeper Iker Casillas no chance. That leveled the scores at 3-3 and then Sane was involved when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted Schalke's fourth to put the Germans in front. The club almost completed a sensational comeback to go through on away goals as Sane's brilliant effort was saved by Casillas, but it proved just beyond them.

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Sane's record in the German league is excellent this season after making his debut in 2013-14, scoring four goals and assisting on three occasions during his 12 league appearances, according to WhoScored.com.

Klopp's reputation in Germany is likely to give Liverpool the edge in the race for Sane, but United have the pure financial muscle to beat the Reds if it turns into a bidding war. 

The Red Devils have struggled in attack this year, despite keeping up with the leaders at the top of the Premier League, and Sane could bring added bite to United's forward options. 

Sane can feature on both sides of the pitch, operating as a wide midfielder or winger, fitting Van Gaal's current requirements as he looks to strengthen. 

However, the player's skill set also matches Klopp's motivation to attack, and he is the embodiment of the type of individual the former Borussia Dortmund boss loves. 

Sane would be the perfect addition to the Liverpool squad in January, being both affordable and exciting. Former Liverpool player Jan Molby said he hopes Klopp is ready to spend in the upcoming transfer window, per Liverpool Echo:

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I’d like him to do business in the January window because there’s everything to play for.

[…] For Klopp as a new manager he’ll instantly have identified something he can improve upon—he’ll be thinking ‘we’re missing this and I know where to go to get it.’

For me there’s nothing wrong if he wants to go back to Germany, Jurgen should work in the market he knows best.

"

Sane might be inexperienced and a risk when it comes to being thrown straight into the Premier League, but at £12 million he represents extraordinary value. 

The youngster could become one of the best players in the world in the coming years, and Klopp would be advised to grab him as soon as he can. 

Sane has displayed his all-round ability at Schalke, and once he has another season under his belt he will be ready to take a step towards the top-class bracket of players in the Bundesliga.