Liverpool Transfer News: Shkodran Mustafi Responds to Exit Talk, Latest Rumours

Reported Liverpool target Shkodran Mustafi has said he is open to a move away from Valencia this summer.

According to Metro's Sean Kearns, he said: "I have a contract here and get on very well [with everyone]. But the offers are always there and in football you never know what will happen, as anything can happen. However, I will assess at the end of the season." 

The centre-back has been one of Los Che's top performers this year, with Squawka noting he has won 51 tackles and 85 headed duels, as well as making an 127 interceptions and 164 clearances.

Here are some of the German's best moments:

During an absence through injury, La Liga writer Andrew Gaffney noted Mustafi as a key player in their back line:

The Reds defence has been a problem area for some time, and with 48 goals conceded this season it's clear new personnel are needed.

The 24-year-old would make a strong candidate to improve their solidity, and after Valencia's struggles this season it wouldn't be a surprise if he moved on.

In other news, fellow reported Reds target Piotr Zielinski has fuelled further speculation he could be arriving at Anfield in the summer after describing the prospect of working with manager Jurgen Klopp as an "honour."

In an interview with WhoScored.com's Martin Laurence, he praised the German, though he also said his future remains uncertain: "I don’t know if my playing style would suit the Premier League, and I haven’t thought about my future yet. It’s my agent who deals with these topics. Regardless of my personal situation, Klopp is one of the best managers around and it would certainly be an honour to work with him."

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Per the Liverpool Echo's Kristian Walsh, the midfielder has caught Liverpool's attention and "has previously claimed there has been contact between himself and Liverpool over a potential summer move."

The 21-year-old has spent the season on loan at Empoli from Udinese, and has been rated as WhoScored's best young player in Serie A this year:

Football commentator Adam Summerton has picked him out as one of the Blues' top performers:

GianlucaDiMarzio's David Amoyal ran the rule over his strengths, though he's unsure Zielinski would command an instant starting berth at Anfield:

The youngster has bagged four goals and six assists this season, and he has completed an impressive 82 take-ons and created 49 chances, according to Squawka. He's no slouch defensively, either, having won 53 tackles and made 46 interceptions for his side.

Joe Allen's revival in form gives Liverpool several options in midfield in addition to the likes of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and James Milner, but Zielinski could make a highly useful squad player who could develop into a star given time.

If the Reds are looking for a marquee player who will walk straight into their midfield as a first choice from the start of next season, they'll have to look elsewhere.