Liverpool are still in the race to sign Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka .

The Reds believe that the German international has not yet committed his future and are hopeful of buying him.

Reports from Germany over the festive period suggested that a deal to take Goretzka to Bayern Munich at the end of the season was already done and dusted.

However, contact has been established between the Merseysiders and player’s representatives, and Anfield parties have been assured that all hope is not yet lost.

Goreztka, 22, has been scouted by most of the big hitters in Europe – and Bayern were among them. Normally, what the Bavarian giants want, the Bavarian giants get – particularly with respect to domestic players.

(Image: REUTERS)

Sources close to the move believe Bayern have the terms of a deal established.

But it is understood the growing emergence of Liverpool together with boss Jurgen Klopp’s presence has got Goretzka interested.

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The club is trying to push through Naby Keita’s move from Red Bull Leipzig during this window – making full use of the money generated by Philippe Coutinho’s exit by bringing in Virgil van Dijk and the Guinea international.

(Image: John Powell)

That would be supplemented by Goretzka’s arrival and offset the pending exit of Emre Can to Juventus.

Goretzka would give added protection to Klopp’s backline, with his passing a platform for the Reds’ attacking talent to flourish.