According to reports from Calcio Mercato, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have joined Liverpool in the race to sign Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze next summer.
The 23-year-old, who bagged an extra-time winner for Germany during the 2014 World Cup final, emerged as one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe whilst working under now-Reds boss Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund – where the duo won consecutive Bundesliga titles together.
Want More? Liverpool News | Transfer News
The attacking midfielder has struggled to live up to expectations since controversially switching allegiance to Bayern Munich in summer 2013, failing to hold down a consistent role in their starting Xi under Pep Guardiola, and looks set to leave the club at the end of the season with his contract due to expire in 2017.
Liverpool are reportedly considering a £37million summer swoop for Gotze that would constitute a new record transfer fee on Merseyside if accepted by The German giants.
But the latest reports from Calcio Mercato – which cite German publication Bild – suggest any interest from Liverpool could soon be eclipsed by three of Europe’s biggest clubs in Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Although the chance to work with Klopp again is likely an attractive prospect for Gotze, he will struggle to resist the opportunity to join three clubs that can guarantee yearly Champions League football.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are currently five points and five positions away from the Premier League’s top four.