Leverksen's Julian Brandt in action during the Champions League group E match at the Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date November 2nd, 2016 Pic David Klein/Sportimage

Liverpool to “go all out” to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt this summer

With Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt high on Jurgen Klopp‘s transfer priorities, Liverpool have been tipped to “go all out” to sign the winger.

Plans are already well underway for the Reds’ summer recruitment, with Klopp seeking further reinforcements as he plots for a successful 2017/18 campaign.

With Liverpool seeking Champions League football for next season, Klopp will be required to add both quality and quantity to his squad, particularly in the attacking areas, where he is currently short.

A long-held target, Brandt, is set to be the subject of an intense pursuit at the end of the season, as competition for the likes of Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho.

And according to the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce, speaking to Anfield Edition, Liverpool will do all they can to ensure Brandt arrives on Merseyside this summer.

“I’m not sure if he’s the No. 1 target but he’s certainly very high up on Klopp’s summer shopping list,” he said.

“Klopp wanted to buy him in January but Leverkusen were adamant that he wasn’t for sale.

“Klopp rates Brandt very highly and Liverpool will certainly go all out to get him this summer.”

Leverkusen have recently undergone a major managerial change, with Roger Schmidt given his marching orders and Tayfun Korkut brought in to take the 49-year-old’s place.

They are also unlikely to qualify for the Champions League next season, with their Europa League hopes diminishing by the game, which could bring further unrest to their top stars this summer.

While Brandt, a mature, eloquent young player, has not voiced his intention to leave Leverkusen, he did recently speculate about a move abroad.

“I take [speculation] as recognition. To feed my own ego would be the wrong thing to do,” he explained.

“You can take the step [abroad], but I don’t think you have to. Those that back themselves to do it have nothing in their way.

“I don’t think it’s a bad thing to try and find your feet abroad.

“Julian [Draxler] and Leroy [Sane] are the best examples of that right now. They are both young players and have huge futures ahead of them.”

Liverpool would not be alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old, with Real Madrid believed to have scouted Brandt recently.

But as Pearce attests, their interest is likely to be magnified, as Klopp seeks to bolster his squad and push for success in 2017/18.

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