Liverpool suffer transfer blow in pursuit of defender Kabak
Liverpool have suffered a blow in their pursuit of centre back target Ozan Kabak from German side Schalke.
The Reds began monitoring the Turkish international following injuries to Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez earlier in the season.
Their situation was improved by the return of versatile midfielder Fabinho, who can also play in defence. But they’re still in the hunt for a new centre back to improve Jurgen Klopp’s options.
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According to sources in Italy (via Express), Kabak has decided to prioritise a transfer to AC Milan.
Their resurgence in Serie A this season is thought to be a big reason for Kabak’s decision.
Transfer agent Gaetano Di Caro told Milan News: “From what I heard, and I spoke personally to the Schalke general manager about some transfer interest, he’s been in talks with Milan for some time.
“In Germany they are certain Milan are already very close to Kabak. The Rossoneri have been after him for a while and were already close when Stuttgart were relegated, but he followed his director to Schalke.
“I also heard that Kabak praised Milan directors Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara. They were the only club that gave him a real sense they wanted him at all costs.
“Schalke are bottom of the table, they have a lot of debt and their financial situation means they can’t really rebuff Milan for long.
“There was a bit of interest from Juventus, but the player knows he’s got a much better chance of playing regularly for Milan. All indications point to the Rossoneri.
“Schalke set a price-tag of €30m in the summer plus bonuses, but considering the current financial and sporting situation at Schalke, I’d say they’ll let him go for €23-25m.”
Kabak was first linked with Liverpool back in October following the serious injury to Van Dijk in the Merseyside derby.
At that point, Milan had already been tracking Kabak’s progress for several months. Now it looks like the player has decided on his next move, which will be to Italy rather than England.
