Liverpool have ‘signalled their fundamental interest’ in Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe.
Schalke are enduring a horror season in the Bundesliga and sit rock bottom of the table after one win in 25 games.
Hoppe has been one of the few positives, with the American scoring five goals – including a hat-trick in the win over Hoffenheim – in his debut senior season.
FEATURE: Topical Top 10: The Premier League’s weariest Englishmen
The 20-year-old is on the radar of Ajax and a number of English clubs, with Liverpool one of those to have ‘signalled their fundamental interest’ in the player, according to Tranfermarkt (via Sport Witness).
Hoppe signed a new contract with Schalke last month which runs until the summer of 2023, but a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ means he would be allowed to leave should a suitable offer be tabled.
The report claims Hoppe would be allowed to leave for a ‘high single-digit million’ fee.
A relationship built between Jurgen Klopp’s side and Schalke following the loan deal for Ozan Kabak – which includes an option to buy – could benefit Liverpool in the race to sign Hoppe.
Klopp has meanwhile named “machine” Robert Lewandowski as the best player he’s ever managed, snubbing the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salahavour of the striker he coached at Borussia Dortmund.
“It actually won’t be fair to say that about any other player except Lewy.
“What he has made out of his potential, how he pushed himself to become the player he is today, that’s extraordinary.
“If every player has a development similar to Lewandowski, when I first saw him at Lech Poznan, then the football world would be completely crazy.
“All players would win all their duels, the full-backs would complete all their crosses, the midfielders would be strong in one against ones, the wingers would tackle and play precise long balls.
“Lewandowski made every step he had to make to become the goal machine he is today.
“He knows exactly what to do in every situation. He’s an absolute machine.
“I would like to thank him and all the other players who made it look like as if I’m a very good coach.”
The post Liverpool ‘signal interest’ in Hoppe amid ‘gentleman’s agreement’ appeared first on Football365.