Liverpool set to battle with Manchester United for €30m midfielder

Reports from Germany are claiming that Liverpool have shown interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.

According to a report from SportBILD, as cited by Sport Witness, Liverpool and Manchester United are said to have Baumgartner 'on their list' ahead of this summer's transfer window.

SportBILD also claim that there have been concrete enquiries from other suitors, with Leicester City and Sevilla both being named.

Even with all this buzz around the 22-year-old, Hoffenheim want his full release clause of €30m to be paid, a figure that isn’t putting off suitors.

Baumgartner is currently contracted until 2025 with the German side.

Anfield Watch Verdict

This isn't the first time Liverpool have been linked with Baumgartner. Last summer, reliable German publication Kicker, as cited by Sport Witness, claimed that the Austrian is ‘held in high esteem’ in England, particularly at Liverpool.

The report also stated that Jurgen Klopp was a big fan of the 22-year-old and that he was a target to replace Gini Wijnaldum when he ran his contract down to join PSG.

Baumgartner has impressed once more this season with Hoffenheim, scoring six goals from midfield in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to SportBild, as cited by MEN, the 22-year-old responded to claims that he is the next Thomas Muller.

“My style of play is certainly going in that direction, but I will not compare myself to Thomas Muller, who has won umpteen titles," said Baumgartner.

“I like to watch videos of his goals and assists. And when I watch the Champions League on the sofa, I pay special attention to how cleverly he acts in the narrow spaces. I also like the way he communicates with his teammates.

“He is also referred to as 'Radio Muller'. He’s one of the best in the world and certainly a role model. I’m not yet “Radio Baumgartner”, but I also try to take responsibility, give commands and keep the boys awake.”

Baumgartner fits the mould for a typical Liverpool signing. He's young, reasonably priced and has a lot of room to improve under Klopp.

Who knows, we could see the 22-year-old playing at Anfield next season.