Germany’s Jonas Hector controls the ball during his international friendly soccer match France against Germany at the Stade de France stadium in Saint Denis, outside Paris, Friday Nov. 13, 2015 in Paris, (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Liverpool targets Jonas Hector and Timo Horn open to moves away from Cologne

Cologne pair Jonas Hector and Timo Horn, on Liverpool’s radar this summer, have both hinted at summer moves away from the Bundesliga side.

Hector, a 25-year-old left-back, and Horn, a 22-year-old goalkeeper, have been heavily linked with Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp‘s arrival at the club in October.

With the Reds in need of reinforcement in both positions this summer, Klopp’s interest seems well placed.

Hector is believed to be available for around £12 million, and the Germany international’s agent, Rainer Derber is reported to have addressed his situation in an interview with German publication Kicker.

“We’ve discussed our course of action with the Cologne hierarchy before the winter break,” Derber explained.

“Cologne already reacted to Jonas’ potential transfer with the signing of [Filip] Mladenovic.

“Upon consultation with FC Cologne we are allowed to talk to interested clubs, but this won’t happen before the Bundesliga final.

“Jonas knows what it’s like to sign a contract. Not only he would have to profit from a transfer but also Cologne.”

This reinforces Cologne manager Peter Stoger’s comments at the end of March, with Stoger admitting that “if Jonas Hector says that he doesn’t want to stay here, we’d have to face up to it.”

Cologne's goalkeeper Timo Horn catches a free kick during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Schalke 04 and 1.FC Cologne in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Though Horn seems less likely to push for a move away from Cologne this summer, a release clause in the goalkeeper’s contract worth around £7 million could prompt his departure.

If Liverpool were to meet this valuation, Horn would be free the discuss terms with the Anfield club.

Speaking to The Set Pieces last week, Horn indicated that he could look to leave the RheinEnergieStadion ahead of 2016/17, but is making no concrete plans just yet.

“We will see,” he said, when asked whether he would still be at Cologne next season.

“I have a long contract [until 2019] in Cologne and my heart is in Cologne.

“I think we will talk about it with the manager, [sporting director] Jorg Schmadtke and also the goalkeeping coach and then we will see what comes next.”

It is far from a commitment from Horn, and this could tempt the Reds to make a move.

At 22, Horn would represent an immediate upgrade on the shaky Simon Mignolet, with great scope for development; and meanwhile, Hector would provide an ideal alternative to Alberto Moreno.

Available for under £20 million combined, Horn and Hector should be no-brainer signings for Klopp.

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