Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool learn Ozan Kabak transfer price as Reds weigh up January bid for new centre-back
The defending Premier League champions are reportedly interested in signing the Turkey international
Liverpool: Experts on whether Jota will start ahead of Firmino
Liverpool will reportedly be able to sign Schalke's Ozan Kabak for much cheaper than expected. The Reds are said to have identified the 20-year-old centre-back as a player who can temporarily relieve their current defensive woes.
The defending Premier League champions are currently in the midst of a crisis at the heart of their defence following injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.
According to multiple reports, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been impressed by what he's seen of Kabak and is contemplating launching a January bid for his services.
It was claimed a £40million offer would be enough to entice Schalke to part company with the defender.
However, according to Sport Bild, the Bundesliga outfit are willing to accept £18million for the Galatasary academy product.
JUST IN: Liverpool hero Steve Nicol 'worried' about two stars ahead of Man City
Schalke are willing to accept £18million for Ozan Kabak
If Liverpool are indeed eager to sign Kabak, they'll face competition for his signature from Italian giants AC Milan.
Schalke's sporting director, Jochen Schneider, recently told WAZ: "Milan knocked at the very end of the transfer period in the summer, which was out of the question for us."
Injuries to van Dijk and Matip have paved the way for youngster Rhys Williams to get an extended run in the Reds' first team.
And now the 19-year-old's had a taste of regular action, he's eager to become a permanent fixture in the starting XI.
DON'T MISS
Liverpool face missing out on David Alaba with transfer target 'in talks' with Real Madrid
Harry Maguire and Man Utd stars slammed as damning verdict on Old Trafford boardroom given
Robin van Persie blames Harry Maguire for Man Utd issues as star limiting one team-mate
"Well, I was hoping for an opportunity but I wasn't hoping for it as good as this!' Williams told Liverpool's official website when asked to reflect on being given his first Champions League start by Jurgen Klopp.
"It doesn't get much better than a 5-0 away win to Atalanta, so I'm over the moon really. I'm happy the boss trusts me and I'm going to keep repaying his faith with performances and nights like this.
"So, hopefully, I keep getting an opportunity and keep doing everyone proud. want to become an irreplaceable piece of this side. It's a great team with great players.
"I know it's going to be hard but I'm willing to put the effort in, keep working and hopefully keep putting in performances when I get the chance."
Liverpool will be back in action on Sunday afternoon, travelling to the Etihad to take on their Premier League title rivals Manchester City.