Liverpool Transfer News: Major Mario Gotze Boost Amid Mats Hummels Rumours

Liverpool have been handed a massive boost in their mission to land German FIFA World Cup winner Mario Gotze after Borussia Dortmund told Bayern Munich they’re unwilling to negotiate on the transfer of Mats Hummels.

Hummels stunned Dortmund on Thursday by saying he wants to play for bitter rivals Bayern, per BVB:

The Bundesliga champions were hoping to include Gotze as part of the deal to make the defender’s transfer fee more affordable. However, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke stated that if Bayern don’t stump up the cash, then the deal is off, per Suddeutsche Zeitung (via Anthony Chapman of the Sun): “We have set a transfer fee, which is non-negotiable. Either it’s 100 per cent paid or the transfer will not take place.”

Dortmund are believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £30 million.

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Either way, it seems Bayern are keen to get Gotze off the books, which opens the door for Liverpool to make a summer swoop for his services.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp launched the 23-year-old’s career during his time in the Dortmund hot seat, and he’s a big admirer of his compatriot.

Therefore, it’s no surprise to see Liverpool linked with a move for Gotze, although Klopp remained coy on any details about the transfer when asked by reporters recently, per Elliott Bretland of the MailOnline: “He is a player with extraordinary quality. He is trying to get fully fit again after a four-month spell on the sidelines due to injury. But that's all I can say about Gotze. I am happy to talk about other things, but not about whether Gotze is a target for Liverpool.”

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The Reds aren’t exactly desperate for a player of Gotze’s ilk, as Klopp has plenty of attacking midfielders at his disposal, but the German is versatile enough to do a job up front, which makes him an attractive proposition.

UEFA Champions League football could well be returning to Anfield next term if the Reds win the UEFA Europa League, and they’ll need world-class assets at their disposal if they’re to make an impact.

It seems the Reds have another top-quality star on their radar, as France Football claimed Klopp recently sent scouts to watch Paris Saint-Germain’s Javier Pastore (via Chapman).

The Argentinian’s 2015/16 campaign has been plagued by injury, yet when he has been fit, he’s been forced to watch Angel Di Maria flourish in his position.

That could see Pastore seek a route out of Parc des Princes. Chapman noted he would be available for around £30 million.

Liverpool’s quest for a Champions League place continues on Thursday, when they welcome Villarreal to Anfield, needing to turn around a 1-0 deficit from the semi-final first leg.

The Reds return to Premier League action against Watford on Sunday, needing a victory to keep in touch with the final Europa League qualifying place.