Liverpool ‘one of many clubs’ interested in Papadopoulos

Liverpool face competition in their pursuit of Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos, the Express understands.

Reports in Greece are had previously suggested that the Reds had agreed on a fee with the Bundesliga club, with the move only being delayed by the defender’s recovery from a knee problem.

However, Schalke director Horst Heldt has revealed that there have not yet been any offers for the Greece International, though a number of clubs are interested in securing his services.

The 21 year old has been a long term target for manager Brendan Rodgers, with the player even making an appearance at the club’s penultimate match of last season against Fulham.

Papadopoulos rejected a £16m move to Zenit St Petersburg last summer; though it is thought that £13m will be enough for the Reds to secure a deal with the Bundesliga side.

Liverpool have been looking to strengthen their defence since the end of last season following the retirement of Jamie Carragher.

They have already signed Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure, though rumours that centre-back duo Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are set to leave Anfield refuse to go away.