Benedikt Howedes hints at Liverpool move following Jurgen Klopp appointment

Schalke defender Benedikt Howedes has revealed that a move to the Premier League would excite him, thus opening the doors for a January move to Arsenal or Anfield, having previously rejected advances from the Gunners. The 27-year-old has two years left on his current contract and praised Jurgen Klopp's induction at Anfield, hinting that the German's introduction may convince him to move should Liverpool be interested.

The 2014 World Cup hero disclosed in June that Arsenal were interested in his services, but that he wanted to continue plying his trade in the Bundesliga for at least another season where he has been reaping the rewards for his consistency. His versatility on the pitch makes him ideal for a move to Anfield, given Joe Gomez is feared out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Howedes is known for his ability at centre-back but can also be slotted into full-back or deployed as a defensive midfielder should the need arise. Emre Can is the only other German currently at Klopp's disposal but the manager is likely to be given funds to restructure his squad in January. However, the former Dortmund man wants to give youth a chance before investing in the market and is looking to introduce a few youngsters into the squad to test their potential instead of looking at other sources.

"A move abroad excites me. England would for sure be an interesting destination," Howedes told Bild, as quoted by Goal. "Currently I am with Schalke. There are no deals sorted. But of course, for a footballer there are some clubs that are more interesting than others. English football is very fortunate to have someone like Klopp in the league, Liverpool is a club with great tradition and values."

Klopp will lead his side to White Hart Lane for his first game in charge in the Premier League against Tottenham, where a win will clear the apprehension among the fans over the manager's credentials in England. However, his task has been made all the more difficult with news coming in of Danny Ings's injury, which could rule him out of the season alongside Gomez.