Liverpool have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Germany international Leon Goretzka, with Schalke attempting to tie him down to a bumper new deal.

But there might just be a silver lining for the Reds, if they can remain in the one competition fans are expecting them to progress in - the Champions League.

Goretzka has been on Liverpool's radar for some time, and the club appears to be one of the favourites to sign the 22-year-old, what with Klopp's Bundesliga connections.

And with his contract set to run out at the end of the season, interest in the German midfielder will only increase in the next few months.

Schalke are keen to tie the 22-year-old down to a new deal (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Schalke are keen to tie Goretzka down to a new deal to keep him at the club, and have offered him a bumper new contract, according to Bild.

The deal would see the 22-year-old earn a whopping €8million-a-year and would prevent Liverpool from snapping him up when the transfer window re-opens.

But there may just be a silver lining for the Reds, even if Goretzka is to sign a brand new contract with his current club.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is an admirer of the Germany international (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

According to the report, the contract also stipulates an exit clause, which would allow the German to leave should a top Champions League club come in for him.

It therefore seems that progression in Europe's elite competition is vital for the Reds for more than one reason.

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