Liverpool target Jonas Hector may be set to leave Cologne this summer, with manager Peter Stoger admitting a big fee could secure his signature.
Hector has emerged as a priority target for the Reds ahead of the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp looks to address his problems at left-back.
With Alberto Moreno‘s form fluctuating throughout 2015/16, and Brad Smith and Jon Flanagan unlikely to secure a first-choice role on the left flank, Hector provides a solution.
The 25-year-old is believed to be valued at £12 million, and speaking to kicker this week, Stoger admitted a “two-figure million sum” could persuade Cologne to part ways with their star man.
“I don’t have to talk about what may happen in the summer,” he explained.
“But if somebody should offer us a three-figure million sum, we’d probably give in.
“If a two-figure million sum is offered, we’d consider it.
“And if Jonas Hector says that he doesn’t want to stay here, we’d have to face up to it.”
This comes after Hector revealed that contact from Klopp himself may turn his head towards Merseyside, saying “then I would start to think about it.”
Hector has been in fine form throughout 2015/16 so far, completing the full 90 minutes in all but one of Cologne’s 27 Bundesliga outings so far—that being through a minor thigh injury.
The well-rounded left-back has also established himself as Germany manager Joachim Low’s first choice, ahead of Marcel Schmelzer and Erik Durm.
While this form could prompt a move away from Cologne, Stoger believes this can only be a positive situation for his side.
“When a player like Jonas, who permanently refines himself, is in the spotlight it is just a super story,” he continued.
“There are worse problems for a club than having to deal with a player maybe leaving the club because he’s in incredible form.”
Cologne have likely grown accustomed to losing their best players season by season, with Kevin Wimmer’s £4.3 million move to Tottenham Hotspur last summer serving as a prime example.
Goalkeeper Timo Horn may follow at the end of the season, too, with Liverpool reported to be interested in activating his £6.5 million release clause.
For now, however, Hector remains the priority, and with Stoger seemingly accepting his fate, the ball is now in Liverpool’s court.
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