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Schalke are reportedly set to offer Liverpool target Leon Goretzka a club-record deal to keep him from the Reds clutches.

The ECHO understands that the 22-year-old is on Jurgen Klopp's radar – and could ironically replace fellow Germany international midfielder Emre Can at Anfield.

However, Bild reckon that Schalke are now prepared to hand Goretzka a bumper new contract to keep the likes of Liverpool – plus other potential suitors such as Manchester United and Arsenal.

Goretzka would not be a like-for-like swap for Can in that he is in many ways quite a different kind of midfield player.

(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Although he can operate in a holding role – at 6ft 2in he is also known for his aerial prowess – Goretzka can also play down the flanks and possesses an ability for chipping in on the goals column (he bagged eight in all competitions last season and has four so far this term), particularly from long range.

Liverpool's Premier League rivals Arsenal have earmarked him as a potential replacement for compatriot Mesut Ozil whose current deal expires at the end of the season but despite interest from several top English clubs, his current employers have not given up hope of hanging on to one of their brightest young stars.

Like both Can and Ozil, Goretzka, who has netted six times for the German national team in 12 internationals, will be a free agent next summer if he does not pen a new deal.