FOOTBALL UPDATE

Liverpool have not given up hope of signing Leon Goretzka, even though the Schalke midfielder is thought to be close to joining Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Goretzka is reportedly Liverpool's first choice to replace the recently departed Philippe Coutinho, despite strong suggestions that the German international is set to join Bayern in the coming days. According to Loic Tanzi of French television channel SFR Sport, Liverpool "are doing everything to try to convince him (Leon Goretzka), despite the fact that he is close to Bayern Munich." Having joined Schalke from VFL Bochum in 2013 after his first season in professional football, Goretzka has gone on to make 130 appearances in all competitions in the Royal Blue of Schalke, scoring 19 goals in that time, with his performances this season helping Schalke to second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich ahead of German football's return from the winter break this coming weekend. The 22 year old midfi...

Schalke have completed the signing of winger Marko Pjaca from Juventus on loan until the end of the season. The Bundesliga side will pay €1 million to the Serie A champions, plus a further €500,000 in bonuses, to bring the Croatia international to Germany. It was reported Schalke were keen to include the option of a permanent transfer in the deal but Juve refused, as they consider his long-term future to be in Turin. Speaking to Schalke's official website, Pjaca revealed he sought advice from Benedikt Howedes, who spent his entire professional career in Gelsenkirchen before joining Juventus earlier this year. "He had so many positive things to say about the club and the fans here," Pjaca said. "The coach [Domenico Tedesco] has told me a lot about his playing style and I like that. Now I'm just hoping for as many games as possible." "We are glad that Marko has decided to join us," said Tedesco of a player who was also linked to Anderlecht...