Fabrizio Romano provides update on Liverpool transfer interest in Max Beier

Fabrizio Romano has played down talk of a Liverpool transfer for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, but admitted the Reds are 'attentive' to the German market.

The 21-year-old forward has impressed in Germany this season, scoring six times in the Bundesliga in 13 outings so far.

Liverpool have been named as a possible next destination for the player, who will reportedly have a £26m release clause from next summer.

The likes of Everton and Brentford have also been linked with the Germany Under-21 international.

However, transfer reporter Romano has insisted that there is nothing 'advanced or concrete' in the recent Beier rumours – though he added the caveat that the Reds are 'scouting a lot of players'.

In his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, he said: "Despite stories in the German press about Liverpool eyeing Max Beier, I’m not aware of negotiations at this stage.

"Liverpool are always very attentive to the German market, so for sure they’re scouting a lot of players, but this is still nothing advanced or concrete. Beier is very good player and many clubs are keeping a close eye on him."

Liverpool's use of the German market is well known.

Three of the Reds' summer signings arrived from Bundesliga clubs, while interim sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is German and has held similar roles as recruitment chief at the likes of Wolfsburg and Koln.

The Reds have made a big-money signing in each of the last two winter transfer windows, bringing in Cody Gakpo at the start of 2023 and Luis Diaz in 2022, while the club is known to be looking at prioritising strengthening the defence in 2024. However, the chances of that happening next month may be slim, with Jurgen Klopp pouring cold water on talk of a major arrival, despite Joel Matip's ACL injury.

He told reporters: "You always talk about transfers like it is the easiest thing in the world. They all cost money, it must be the right player. We still have four centre-backs. Tell me a club which wants to sell a top, top centre-half. Tell me one."