Brendan Rodgers personally flew to Germany last night to watch Julian Draxler star for Schalke in their Champions League victory against Basel.

The 20-year-old German international is drawing interest from clubs across Europe and the midfielder, who plays in the No 10 role, is a long-term target at Anfield.

Draxler, who burst onto the scene at Schalke at just 17, scored to send Schalke into the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Basel needed only a draw to progress but Draxler starred, picking up the man of the match award before being taken off after 66 minutes because of a groin injury.

Liverpool will face a fight to sign the highly-rated youngster, with Chelsea and Arsenal leading the charge for the playmaker.

Kevin de Bruyne, who increasingly finds himself frozen out by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, could be used in a swap deal for Draxler.

Arsenal have long been admirers of Draxler, but last month Draxler said he needed regular first team football ahead of the World Cup, which could open the door further for a move to Anfield.

Source: Daily Express