Liverpool Transfer News: Leroy Sane Talks Reported, Latest Rumours

Leroy Sane is reportedly in talks to sign for Liverpool after informing his friends and family he wishes to leave the Veltins-Arena, while Bayern Munich's Mario Gotze has been given a bodyguard amid rumours of a move to Anfield.  

According to German daily Bild, previous reports of Sane's €55 million (£41.1 million) price-tag could ultimately count for little. The newly discovered value of his release clause is alleged to be €37 million (£27.9 million), although it cannot be activated until the summer (h/t Dipesh Agarwal of Sport Witness).

Martin Meissner/Associated Press

Metro's Jamie Sanderson cited the report and added Sane "wants to quit Schalke" after making a dazzling rise through the Bundesliga ranks this season.

Any release clause would increase Liverpool's chances of landing the player amid a sea of European interest, and the presence of German manager Jurgen Klopp may only boost their hopes further.

German magazine Kicker reported earlier in the week that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City were also looking to capture the 20-year-old prospect (h/t Spanish newspaper Marca).

There is some debate as to whether now is the right time for Sane to change his surroundings, and followers of German outlet DW Sports recently voted for him to continue developing in North Rhine-Westphalia:

However, reports of a release clause in Sane's contract have been denied by general manager Horst Heldt, saying, per Goal.com's Matthew Rogerson: "Leroy Sane has no exit clause that can be used during the winter nor the summer."

Sane has already been capped by Germany at the international level, and the official Bundesliga Twitter account celebrated his ascension with a compilation of the attacker's best moments of the campaign:

Liverpool are in a race to land the winger, who has scored five goals in 24 appearances for the Miners this season. A release clause would undoubtedly make their pursuit simpler, but reports of Sane's unrest will also aid their cause if proven to be genuine.

Competing with the likes of Barca and Real means the Reds' chances of signing Germany's fastest-rising prospect may be slim, but Klopp will assuredly be eager to see his club jostling for Europe's finest.

Petr David Josek/Associated Press

Another German talent reported to be on his radar is former Borussia Dortmund charge Gotze. Bild reported Bayern have tightened security on their midfielder after he hinted at a possible reunion with Klopp on Merseyside (h/t Sport Witness, via Metro's Mark Brus).

The report failed to elaborate on why Der FCB have chosen to give Gotze his own bodyguard, but some fans at the Allianz Arena may not be pleased to hear the ex-Black and Yellows star praising his old boss.