Liverpool Transfer News: Leroy Sane Offer Made, Nicolas Nkoulou Rumours Emerge

The rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Schalke 04 starlet Leroy Sane continue to swirl, with the latest reports claiming the Reds have made a £10 million offer for his services.

That's according to German newspaper Bild (h/t Sam Long of the London Evening Standard), who believe the relatively modest offer is but the starting point for the Reds, with an eye on a deal in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old forward has quickly become a hot name in transfer discussions after a fantastic start to the 2015-16 Bundesliga campaign, which has already led to the youngster receiving his first call-up for the German national team.

According to WhoScored.com, Sane has already scored four goals and added three assists in 12 Bundesliga matches this season, impressive numbers for a teenager. He's proved himself a versatile option in the attacking third, playing as a winger, attacking midfielder and even as a striker at times.

He has bags of technical ability, which complements his raw pace quite well, and for such a young player, his vision is extraordinary. German football writer Cristian Nyari is a fan:

So is Jack Lusby of This is Anfield:

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Signing Sane would only add to the future options in these wide areas for the Klopp, alongside [Lazar] Markovic and [Jordon] Ibe, and each would lend themselves perfectly to the German's fast-paced counter-attacking style of play.

If this interest is genuine, Liverpool supporters should relish the prospect of Sane's arrival—as the 19-year-old is an extremely talented young player.

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While Liverpool's interest in the player is understandable given his obvious potential and the German connection with manager Jurgen Klopp, Bild's claims the Reds have launched a £10 million bid are a bit curious.

Apart from the fact the transfer window isn't currently open, Schalke general manager Horst Heldt told Focus (h/t Metro's Will Giles) his club already rejected an offer from the Reds for the youngster during the summer. And according to Bild (h/t Daily Mirror's Alex Richards), that offer was higher than £10 million.

That doesn't mean Liverpool won't be at the front of the queue when the January window opens, as Sane should be one of the club's top priorities. He fills a clear need as a natural fit out wide, and in many ways, he would be the perfect replacement for Raheem Sterling, who left Anfield for Manchester City last summer.

Sane's value lies mostly in his long-term potential, but the German could be a starter for the Reds the moment he arrives, and at the very least, he'll give Klopp some options and valuable depth in the attacking third moving forward. Schalke will do whatever they can to avoid a sale, however, so a transfer is anything but guaranteed.

Reds to Battle Chelsea, Lazio for Nicolas Nkoulou

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Klopp has reportedly identified Marseille centre-back Nicolas Nkoulou as the man to bring some depth and stability to the Reds defense, but according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Daily Express' Adam Skinner), both Chelsea and Lazio Roma are also tracking the 25-year-old.

Nkoulou has been a defensive rock for Marseille since arriving at the club in 2011, impressing with both his ability to make key tackles and contributing to the attack. The Cameroon international is an excellent passer who can step into midfield and spread the ball towards the wing if he has to.

Liverpool's defensive depth took a big hit when Mamadou Sakho joined Joe Gomez on the sidelines with a serious injury, leaving the team with limited options at the centre-back position. Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren are the top options remaining, with Kolo Toure the only natural centre-back left behind them.

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Nkoulou would add some valuable depth and experience to the group as well as a new dimension. As a more athletic and mobile defender, he could be paired with a bruiser like Skrtel or the proficient Sakho once he returns to full health.

Chelsea could use some depth as well, although the Blues are more likely to target a high-profile defender who could replace veteran John Terry at some point in the future. The biggest challenge might come from Lazio, whose defensive efforts have been shocking ever since Stefan de Vrij suffered a major injury of his own, per David Amoyal, a translator for Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

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