Liverpool pondering move for Bundesliga talisman
Reports are suggesting that Liverpool are considering another big-money move into the transfer market as they look at Schalke 04’s Benedikt Howedes as the answer to their defensive problems.
The Merseysiders signed Uruguayan sensation Sebastian Coates in the summer window but are yet to throw him in the deep end of the side’s first-team.
Instead, the Reds will look at Howedes as a more immediate solution to the defensive issues of the side that most recently saw them concede three goals at Manchester City.
Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have formed a consistent central partnership in the 2011-12 season but many have criticised the duo and called for a big-name centre-back signing to replace the aging Jamie Carragher.
Howedes, who was made captain of his club at the start of this season, has made an impression on many European managers over the course of 2011 and has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus in recent months.
Despite his relatively young age of 23, Howedes has racked up over 150 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit after rising through the side’s youth academy, before bursting into the first team in 2008.
The defender also provides the experience of a German international after making his debut under Joachim Low in 2011 and earning a total of six caps for Die Mannschaft.
Howedes is contracted to Schalke until 2014 and Liverpool would have to make an offer of at least £14m to prise the centre-back away from the German side.
