Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie has turned down a move to Hertha Berlin as he has his heart set on a move to the Premier League, according to reports in the German media.

It is thought that the American international could be sold for around $25m (£19m) with Schalke keen on raising funds after being hit financially by the global health crisis.

Liverpool and Southampton are believed to be the two clubs in England who have taken a keen interest in signing McKennie this summer.

The Reds have allowed Adam Lallana to leave on a free transfer and could also consider selling Marko Grujic, so they may well be in the market for another midfielder.

Southampton, meanwhile, are looking at McKennie as a possible replacement for captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who left St Mary’s for Tottenham earlier this month.

McKennie has been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time, but it is likely that the Merseyside club will only make a move for the midfielder if his asking price significantly drops.