Schalke 04 are reportedly readying a new club-record contract offer for Leon Goretzka in order to ward off interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal.
The 22-year-old's performances for club and country have attracted the advances of a number of Europe's biggest clubs in recent months, and he could be available for a cut-price deal in January as his current contract expires at the end of the season.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is understood to see Goretzka as a possible replacement for Emre Can, who himself is out of contract next summer, and is reportedly lining up a bid for the Germany international.
However, the Reds are likely to face stiff competition for his signature, with Arsenal identifying Goretzka as cover for Mesut Ozil and United also amongst the interested parties.
Bild claims that Schalke are still desperate to keep their prized asset, though, and are ready to offer him a bumper new deal which would make him the highest-paid player in the club's history.
Goretzka has scored six goals in 12 appearances for Germany and was part of their Confederations Cup-winning squad during the summer, while so far this season he has four goals in 10 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke.
Barney Corkhill
