According to reports from German outlet Express (not to be confused with its British namesake) Liverpool still want Borussia Monchengladbach’s Mahmoud Dahoud.

So, what’s the story?

As per the source above, Liverpool remain keen on Dahoud after a summer of rumours surrounding an Anfield move for the 20-year-old and will have scouts watching him in European Championship qualification action for Germany’s U-21s this evening against Finland. The overall suggestion is that the scouting mission to Scandinavia will be a precursor to a January move for the playmaker.

Some background…

Express’ claims are by no means ‘fresh’. Although their revelation that Liverpool scouts will watch Dahoud in action tonight is certainly intriguing, they’re not breaking new ground by suggesting that a Merseyside move in the not too distant future remains a possibility.

Indeed, only last week, the Liverpool Echo revealed that the midfielder, alongside fellow Bundesliga youngster Christian Pulisic, remains on Jurgen Klopp’s radar after a summer pursuit, while it was suggested by the Guardian that the starlet was a major target for the Reds over the summer.

Where would he fit at Anfield?

The numbers (crunched by Squawka) reveal that Dahoud, as a holding midfielder, is a decent creative force. Although his league stats for last season (in a per-game sense) don’t overshadow many of Liverpool’s current options in the engine room, he was more proficient in terms of assists than any of his rivals despite playing fewer forward balls and creating fewer chances - suggesting the quality he provides around the 18-yard box is certainly noteworthy. In terms of successful passes, 33.5-a-match isn’t a standout tally. But at the age of 20, we shouldn't be too harsh on the youngster.

Is he obtainable?

The elephant in the room here is Liverpool’s Champions League status. There’s no doubt the Reds can pay the sort of money Borussia Monchengladbach couldn't refuse and offer Dahoud a lucrative salary, but not being at the top continental table will leave the player an open target for rivals. Dahoud himself might be swayed by the ‘Klopp factor’ given his age and German roots, but the charismatic coach’s signature smile will only go so far when another club is offering midweek football against the biggest sides in Europe.

Interestingly, there have already been suggestions that his release clause will fall to just £8.5m (although the accuracy of this remains up in the air), and with his deal set to expire in 2018, negotiating a low fee may be an easier task for Liverpool than first thought – especially as the midfielder rebuffed Gladbach’s contract advances a few months ago. Another factor in the mix is that Dahoud shares an agent with Emre Can, Reza Fezeli, who’s widely seen as one of Klopp’s favourites. Could he be an influential figure in swaying his compatriot?

Will it happen?

Liverpool fans can expect to play the waiting game with this one. A January move appears unlikely given that Gladbach lost both Granit Xhaka and Havard Nordtveit over the summer, so it seems a case of hanging in there until summer 2017 - at which time both the player and the club could be more receptive to a move. Alas, much hinges on finishing in the top four…

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