Liverpool scouts are tracking Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria, according to the Football Insider. The website goes as far to say that “contact has been made” between representatives of the club and the player.

Reports in Germany last month claimed that the Reds were lining up a €50m (£45m) bid for the Swiss international this summer, and it appears there is genuine interest in the midfielder.

Zakaria, who is also a target for Manchester United, is currently out injured and did not play any part in Gladbach’s 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend, but he is expected to be back in action by the start of next month.

The 23-year-old is a holding midfielder by trade, and it could be the case that Liverpool are looking at potential options if Georginio Wijnaldum leaves Anfield.

Negotiations between the Dutchman and the Merseyside club over a new contract are said to be ongoing but, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season, his long term future is in doubt.