Fabrizio Romano confirms rumours that Liverpool are now keen on signing ‘top’ quality midfielder

Liverpool’s interest in Schalke youngster Assan Ouedraogo is indeed concrete.

The Reds have been credited with an interest in the Ouedraogo over the past couple of weeks, as he starts to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga 2.

And responding to those rumours, journalist Fabrizio Romano has given them the green light. Writing in his Daily Briefing

this morning, Romano confirmed Liverpool’s interest, as well as naming two potential challengers.

“There have been reports about Liverpool being keen on Schalke youngster Assan Ouedraogo, and yes it’s true that Liverpool like him,” says the transfer expert.

“But it’s the same for Bayern Munich and AC Milan. They are all informed on his situation, on his release clauses – he has different ones based on the clubs interested.

“For sure he’s a top talent and that’s why those three clubs are interested.

“I think he has great potential, he’ll need some time to develop but he looks a very good player.”

Romano confirms Liverpool want Ouedraogo

It’s great to hear that despite beefing up their midfield over the summer, Liverpool are still keen to look to the future.

They already did that by signing one of England’s brightest prospects – Trey Nyoni – recently. And now they look ready to do the same with one of Germany’s best youngsters.

But while Nyoni is still honing his trade in the youth teams, Ouedraogo has already made the breakthrough into senior football.

Schalke’s relegation last year can hardly have been seen as a good thing by anyone at the club. But it has given this prodigious 17-year-old the chance to make his mark.

Often seen as having one of the best academies in Europe, Schalke have previously produced the likes of Manuel Neuer and reported Liverpool target Leroy Sane.

Ouedraogo looks like being next on a list that also includes Reds’ centre-back Joel Matip.

Like Neuer and Sane eventually did, there’s always a decent chance that the best German talents end up at Bayern. With the Munich side also interested in Ouedraogo, Liverpool may have to move quickly and decisively here.