Liverpool are lining up a bid for Bayer Leverkusen winger Julian Brandt, according to reports in the German media.

The 22-year-old reportedly has a €25m (£21.5m) release clause which can be triggered by any club this summer, and the Reds are said to be prepared to make their move.

Brandt has been a long term target for Jurgen Klopp but the player opted to stay put at Leverkusen in 2017 despite a number of potential suitors.

At the time, the German explained his decision was purely down to making sure he got regular game time ahead of the World Cup:

“I am still young, but also in my fourth year – I feel responsible for the bad season. I, therefore, see it as my duty to bring the club back where it belongs and for me that means among the top six.”

“Of course there are players who say a year without European football ahead of the World Cup is a reason to change clubs.”

“But a transfer to a bigger club is also taking a risk one year ahead of the World Cup. You have to settle in there and possibly you don’t get so much game time.”

He then went out to sign a contract extension in April 2018 which included the aforementioned buyout fee.

Brandt’s performances since then are unlikely to have damped down potential interest from top European clubs, having scored seven goals and contributed 11 assists in 38 appearances this season.

It is believed that both Real Madrid and Juventus are keeping tabs on Brandt, in addition to Liverpool, with the German international’s release clause likely to attract even more buyers.