Sead Kolasinac open to Schalke contract talks, Liverpool linked with summer move

November 21, 2016
Jack Lusby

Schalke left-back Sead Kolasinac has confirmed preliminary talks have begun with Schalke 04 over a new deal, despite interest from Liverpool.

Kolasinac is set to enter the final six months of his current contract on the turn of the year, and won’t be short of suitors as the possibility of a free transfer presents itself.

Jurgen Klopp is believed to be among the interested parties, with clubs able to begin talks with overseas players from January 1.

According to German publication Bild at the beginning of November, Klopp is monitoring Kolasinac’s situation in Gelsenkirchen, with the Bosnian seeking assurances over his role under manager Markus Weinzierl.

Now, the 23-year-old has told Kicker that sporting Christian Heidel has approached his agent to discuss a new deal, and that he would be receptive to extending his stay at the Veltins-Arena.

“It must fit both sides, but there is no time pressure,” he explained, “I feel good here and Schalke is a great club.”

This is far from definitive, but Kolasinac is clearly keeping his options open with regards remaining with Schalke, where he has played since 2011.

Kolasinac’s position at Schalke has certainly improved in recent weeks, starting five of the last six Bundesliga games, tallying four assists in a new wing-back role.

This could be a blow for Klopp, who will no doubt be looking to improve his squad in the future, and despite James Milner‘s excellent form in the role so far this season, left-back could be an area to address.

The 49-year-old does have a strong relationship with Heidel from their time together at Mainz 05.

But it is unlikely the Schalke figurehead would do Klopp a favour against his club’s best wishes.

Kolasinac is one of a number of promising left-backs in the final year of their contracts, along with PSV Eindhoven’s Jetro Willems, Hull City‘s Andrew Robertson and Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor.

Klopp isn’t adverse to shopping in the free transfer market, as Joel Matip‘s arrival from Schalke in June proved, but he may be forced to look elsewhere in 2017.