Liverpool Transfer News: Latest Dennis Praet, Niklas Sule, Martin Skrtel Rumours

Liverpool reportedly face a battle with Southampton for the signature of Anderlecht star Dennis Praet, while Hoffenheim's Niklas Sule is linked with a move to Anfield as a replacement for Martin Skrtel.

According to the Daily Mail (h/t Daily Star's Joel Watson), Saints assistant manager Erwin Koeman scouted Praet in person during the disappointing 5-2 loss against Racing Genk on Thursday, and with Sadio Mane linked with a move to Arsenal, Praet could be his replacement.

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Per the report, Liverpool are also looking at the 22-year-old, who has been linked with both Borussia Dortmund and the Reds ever since manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his admiration of the player.

Per Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws, the attacking midfielder is seemingly available as well:

Klopp's praise for Praet came in 2014, when the youngster was widely considered the latest in along line of Belgian supertalents. Since then, his career has stalled, and the 2015-16 campaign has been a hugely disappointing one for both Anderlecht and Praet.

Youri Tielemans has moved further up the pitch and taken on a bigger role in midfield, and Praet, a natural fit in a central role, has been frequently pushed in a wide role. The Belgium international has always been at his best when he has the ball at his feet―out wide, he has consistently struggled, and the 2015-16 season was no exception.

His value has plummeted, with Watson reporting Southampton are considering a £10 million offer―two years ago, he may have cost double. There are also strong indications he will be leaving the club this summer, and Anderlecht are not expected to fight hard to keep hold of a player who shows such little enthusiasm, via Sporting Anderlecht:

Manager Herman van Holsbeeck maintains Anderlecht don't have to sell Praet, but the club is likely holding out for as big a fee as possible.

The Belgian may have struggled for the past 12 months, but he remains a solid prospect who can shine in the right system. His passing range is impressive, and he has a knack for timing runs into the box and scoring vital goals. Here's a look at his highlights:

Klopp has long been a fan, and the Reds boss is known for his incredible eye for talent and his ability to unearth gems and get the most out of players. If he believes a change of scenery and the right coaching can unlock Praet's potential, a summer move would be a smart plan, with the midfielder's value currently lower than ever.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail (h/t Liverpool Echo's Kristian Walsh) reports Skrtel wants to leave Anfield, with Besiktas said to be in the lead for the defender, and Sule could be his replacement.

Skrtel has long been a loyal servant, but rumours regarding a possible exit have been swirling for some time. Fans noticed he took his time saying goodbye to the supporters after the 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion and assumed he wouldn't don the iconic red kit again. So did The Anfield Wrap:

Should Skrtel leave the club this summer―which seems likely―Sule would be a natural replacement. The 20-year-old German is a physical bruiser who loves to tussle with attackers and is a tremendous force in the air.

He's not the quickest or most nimble athlete, and concentration can be an issue at times, but his long-term potential is sky-high. Hoffenheim barely escaped relegation from the Bundesliga this season, so the youngster may feel he is ready for bigger and better things and cut his losses.

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