Liverpool midfield transfer target Konrad Laimer makes decision on future

Liverpool have suffered a blow in their bid to sign Konrad Laimer.

That's according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, who reports the midfielder has decided to join Bayern Munich when his contract expires in the summer.

The Reds were said to have done 'major work' on Laimer during the summer as speculation grew regarding his current contract at RB Leipzig, which runs out at the end of the season. The Austrian decided against extending his stay back in June, with several clubs exploring the possibility of a pre-contract agreement over the winter.

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Jurgen Klopp is thought to have midfield reinforcements at the top of his priority list for the mid-season window, with much of this season's struggles traced back to issues in the centre of the park. The Reds have just Naby Keita and Arthur Melo to bridge the gap between the ageing core and youthful energy, although the pair have racked up just 20 minutes of football across all competitions between them.

One of those options was Laimer who, at 25-years-old, fits the age profile that Klopp and Liverpool desire. But according to Plettenberg's information, the midfielder has opted to remain in Germany and join Bayern. Club and player are said to have reached a 'verbal agreement' which will be made official come the new year - he is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Bavarian outfit.

Laimer has featured just five times for Leipzig this season after picking up an ankle injury in September. He is expected to return to action not long after German football reconvenes on January 20.

Klopp and Liverpool are expected to add midfield reinforcements in the January window and have been linked with several names. The Reds are also said to have an interest in Wolves' Ruben Neves, but face a tough task in prizing the Portuguese midfielder away from a struggling side with a new manager in Julen Lopetegui.

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