Speaking to AnfieldHQ, the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen’s Julian Brandt has a £17m release clause that kicks into effect in 2018, which may be of benefit to the Reds.

What’s the story?

Well, speaking about a range of topics in an interview with AnfieldHQ, Jones let slip that one of Jurgen Klopp’s major transfer targets for the coming summer, Brandt, has an intriguing release clause that comes into effect in just under 18 months' time.

Speaking about the German winger, he said:

“Julian Brandt is one of the players Jurgen Klopp would like to add but I don’t sense he is necessarily his priority.

“Like Leicester’s Demarai Gray, Liverpool will target players of around 20-years-old with big potential and some experience.

“Yet it’s plain to see they need a step up in quality. Brandt is at a good level but Liverpool will look for even better if they can attract the right one.

“Leverkusen are hoping to hold talks with Brandt’s father over a new contract as what we’ve been told is he has a clause allowing him to leave for £17m in 2018."

What does this mean for Liverpool?

Well, obviously the clause mentioned doesn’t actually enter the equation this summer per se, but the impact it could have may be vital in Liverpool stealing in early to nab the wing ace. Recent reports from the Daily Mail claimed that Brandt is indeed one of Klopp’s priorities, and with Bayer Leverkusen struggling in the Bundesliga - they sit eleven points off of the top four with 23 games played – there’s every chance they may struggle to convince the youngster to commit to the new contract Jones alluded to.

Liverpool, then, may be able to strike a compromise with the BayArena club, paying a fee that could tempt them to sell up a year early, rather than risk teams coming in to trigger the £17m  clause. In the current market, a £25m - £30m sum for a player of such potential seems somewhat logical, although much hinges on the Reds’ own Champions League qualification fate.

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