Liverpool move for Max Meyer branded 'nonsense' by Schalke

Schalke have labelled rumours Liverpool are preparing a bid for midfielder Max Meyer as "nonsense" and say the Germany Under-21 international is not for sale. General Manager Christian Heidel believes Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has no interest in signing the Olympic Games-bound player despite reports to the contrary.

The Independent understands the Merseysiders are plotting a £28m ($37m, €33m) offer for the 20-year-old, who could join Leroy Sane is leaving the Veltins-Arena this summer. Klopp will be well aware of Meyer's talent from his days managing Borussia Dortmund and is reportedly keen on making him the latest addition to hail from Germany.

But Schalke appear unwilling to contemplate Meyer, who has made nearly a century of league appearances for the club since joining them as a 13-year-old in 2009. Heidel has rubbished suggestions Liverpool are preparing to make an offer and is certain Klopp would have mentioned the proposal when they recently met.

"Max is a great player, but a move to Liverpool is nonsense," he told Sky Sport, according to Goal.com. "I know Klopp a bit and I briefly spoke with him the other day. He would definitely have mentioned Meyer had Liverpool been interested in signing him. Plus we have no intention of selling Max."

Liverpool have already prised one player away from Schalke in the form of defender Joel Matip, who has arrived on a free transfer following 16 years with the club. Loris Karius, Ragnar Klavan and Alex Manninger have all arrived from spells in Germany as Klopp continues to add to his squad in his first summer window at the helm.

Senegal forward Sadio Mane and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum represent the other additions made by Klopp this summer, bringing the number of players added to the squad to six. Though Martin Skrtel is the highest profile departure from Anfield, further exits are expected with Mario Balotelli and Joe Allen on the way out.