According to reports in the Daily Mail, Liverpool are among a number of Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on Augsburg left-back Philipp Max, who has seven assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season.

What's the word, then?

Well, the Daily Mail says the Reds – along with top flight rivals Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton – have been scouting the 24-year-old, whose performances for the Bundesliga outfit are putting him into contention for a spot in Germany's 2018 World Cup squad.

The Daily Mail says Max is capable of playing in a more advanced position too, which will suit those teams that want to play with wing-backs.

The German only extended his contract until 2022 earlier this year, but he could be in demand either in January or next summer.

How well has Max done this season?

He has been excellent.

The 24-year-old has played all but 10 minutes of Augsburg's Bundesliga campaign so far, scoring one goal and providing a further seven assists.

According to Squawka, he created 35 chances in the opening 14 league games this season, while WhoScored.com lists his main strengths as his ability to make key passes and his crossing.

His contribution from a defensive point of view is also very impressive, and the German made 27 clearances and 22 interceptions in those 14 outings.

Do Liverpool need him?

They probably do, yes.

While Alberto Moreno has been a regular for the Reds at left-back this season the jury is still out on whether he is the long-term option in that position, as the Spaniard has still shown that he is prone to error.

Andrew Robertson arrived during the summer but has struggled for game time, and Jurgen Klopp may decide to look to his homeland to sign the in-demand Max.

Can they win the race to sign him?

While joining the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham may be attractive, the fact that the Merseyside outfit have Klopp as their manager could mean that Max chooses to join them instead.

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