Liverpool are once again being linked with a top defender, but this time they will reportedly have to shell out €22million to land him.

The Reds are closing in on Schalke centre back Kyriakos Papadopoulos, that is according to chief scout and former director of football at AS Monaco Tor-Kristian Karlsen.

Only 21, the Greek International has become one of the top prospects in the game, and is being courted by some of the biggest names in European football.

Papadopoulos was once the youngest player ever, to appear in a Greek Superleague fixture, having made his debut for Olympiakos at just 15, and since gone on to prove himself as an immensely capable player in both the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League.

However, he has had his injury problems, a knee injury has kept him out of action since last November.

That was enough to turn off other teams, but not Liverpool.

They are still interested, despite his injury, as Brendan Rodgers searches for a replacement for Jamie Carragher.

The young Greek star could arrive at Anfied, along with the possible signing of Raul Albiol from Real Madrid.

Source: Sportsnewsireland.com