Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Gotze Talks Reported, Robert Lewandowski Rumours

Liverpool have reportedly begun negotiations with Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze over a possible summer transfer, and the Reds will also reportedly try to capitalise on team-mate Robert Lewandowski's failure to agree a new deal at the Allianz Arena.

According to journalist Kike Marin of Spanish newspaper El Confidencial, Liverpool have held talks with Gotze, and they are now in an advanced stage:

Per the Daily Star's Colin Harvey, the first tweet read: "[Liverpool] is already negotiating the signing of Mario Gotze, who [would be] welcomed back alongside Jurgen Klopp."

Klopp has made little secret of his admiration for Gotze after the pair enjoyed a successful relationship at Borussia Dortmund, per football writer Dave O'Connell:

Bleacher Report UK's Jack Lusby believes the playmaker would be an incredible acquisition for the Reds:

Indeed, while he has struggled to produce his best in a Bayern shirt, the 23-year-old is a player of outstanding talent capable of providing goals and plenty of creativity in midfield.

Alongside Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool would have a highly formidable attacking midfield three, which could not only supply Daniel Sturridge with plenty of ammunition but also help share the burden of his goalscoring responsibilities when he's not on the pitch.

Thanks to his relationship with Klopp, Liverpool are now a realistic destination Gotze might consider.

Lusby is concerned that £20 million—as reported by Harvey—will not be enough to persuade Bayern to sell him, though:

He's exactly the kind of player Liverpool need if they're to return to the Champions League and compete in it, so the Reds should go all out to land him.

Meanwhile, the Reds "have been put on red alert" after Lewandowski's contract talks stalled, according to the Mirror's Liam Corless.

Kerstin Joensson/Associated Press

He also enjoyed a positive spell with Klopp's Dortmund, but it seems highly unlikely he'll arrive at Anfield regardless of what happens with his Bayern contract—which chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge isn't worried about, per Corless: "I won't comment on contracts because we are not joining the agent's game. Looking at the contract lengths, we can look to the future relaxed."

After netting 36 times this season, the Pole can virtually command a move to any club of his choice, so if he did leave Bayern, it would surely be to another team capable of contesting the Champions League title.

Liverpool will need to look elsewhere to resolve their goalscoring woes this summer.