Liverpool set to battle Euro heavyweights for German star

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s highly rated youngster, Julian Brandt, but will have to fend off other top European clubs in order to land a deal, according to reports from German outlet Express.

The 20-year-old has been a mainstay for the Bundesliga side this season after cementing his place in the side towards the end of the last campaign before making his international bow in May, although he was not taken to France for the European Championships.

As well as attracting the attention of the national manager, Joachim Low, the winger has also been turning heads across the continent.

As well as Jurgen Klopp, there is reported interest from Premier League rival Pep Guardiola at Man City and European giants Juventus and AC Milan.

The former Wolfsburg youngster has a contract with Leverkusen until 2019, however also has a release clause in place of €12.m which takes effect in 2018, meaning there could bargain available for the circling clubs.