Liverpool have conceded that Bayern Munich have beaten them to the signature of Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The Germany international has just six months left on his current deal at Schalke and is expected to leave Arena AufSchalke this summer.
But, according to the Liverpool Echo, his next destination will not be on these shores – with Bundesliga giants Bayern in pole position to land the 22-year-old.
The Reds have touched base with Goretzka's representatives about the prospect of bringing him to Merseyside but have been little encouragement that he will be dissuaded to leave Germany.