Schalke winger Leroy Sane was a transfer target for Liverpool this summer but had no interest in a move to Merseyside, revealed the German outfit's director Horst Heldt.

Sane is a highly-rated prospect within Germany - attracting many suitors across Europe due to his displays for the Gelsenkirchen side last season.

This was exemplified when he came off the bench to score in their 4-3 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League - his debut in Europe's elite club competition.

Schalke winger Leroy Sane was a summer transfer for Liverpool, says German outfit's director Horst Heldt

19-year-old shone last season and scored in Schalke's 4-3 Champions League win at Real Madrid

The 19-year-old made 13 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke that campaign - with his pace and trickery endearing himself to supporters.

And speaking about the interest garnered around Sane, who signed a new two-year contract extension until 2019 in July, Heist confirmed Liverpool were keen to sign one of their starlets.

'There was one or more prestigious club that contacted us about Sane,' he told Bild. 'Liverpool was ready to pay money for him.

'These offers didn't at all interest us or the player. I am really not concerned about losing the player.

'Two years ago, Ajax made an offer as well.'

Schalke president Horst Heldt says Liverpool were keen to sign the starlet but he was interested in a move

Germany Under 21 international Sane has made nine appearances for Schalke in all competitions so far - scoring in his last three games.

Two of those strikes have proved winners for the Veltins Arena outfit with 1-0 league wins at Stuttgart and most recently Hamburg on Saturday.

A move for Sane will prove difficult with Schalke not under any pressure to sell following the £25m departure of prize asset Julian Draxler to Wolfsburg in August.