Jürgen Klopp has refused to admit whether he's chasing Mario Götze despite acknowledging the attacking midfielder, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool recently, as an "extraordinary" talent.

The 23-year-old, who scored the winning goal in extra-time for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, worked under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund where he blossomed into one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Götze enters the final 12 months of his contract at Bayern Munich in the summer, where he has fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola - who will move on to manage Manchester City from next season - and played in just 12 games in all competitions this season, scoring four goals.

Injuries have also restricted his appearances this season, though he scored once again for his country as they beat Italy 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Nevertheless, given his history with Klopp and the fact he was a key player in a two-time Bundesliga-winning Dortmund side, the player would still represent a marquee signing for the Reds and if reports are to be believed, Götze would be open to a reunion with Klopp.

Klopp refuses to give anything away on Mario move

The Reds boss told German media earlier this week: "We can talk about (Joël) Matip or something else because these are fixed deals, but not Mario. I never comment on any rumours."

Refusing to comment on any potential move for his former No.10, who he admitted left him heartbroken after sealing a £31.5 million move to Dortmund's rivals Bayern in 2013, the German international admitted that he was happy to see his former forward "put in a good performance" for Die Mannschaft.

Götze celebrates his goal for Germany on Tuesday, the 17th he has scored for his country. (Picture: Getty Images)
Götze celebrates his goal for Germany on Tuesday, the 17th he has scored for his country. (Picture: Getty Images)

"But there is nothing to add from my side," he continued, saying that Götze is a player "with extraordinary abilities" who wants "to return to full fitness after four months on the sidelines" but declared:  "There is nothing more to say."

Götze reportedly open to Anfield move, says "what comes will come"

The attacking midfielder's stock has admittedly fallen since joining Bayern, but having scored 65 goals and registered 66 assists for both clubs in total since his Dortmund debut in November 2009, he has averaged a contribution every 1.68 games.

Speaking in the aftermath of Germany's friendly win over Italy, he insisted: "We should stay in the present. I am happy to play again and what comes will come."

He insisted that the "most important thing" for him is simply "to be playing again" in the coming weeks, as he explained that he has "really missed" featuring regularly "over the past few months."

Carlo Ancelotti will replace Guardiola at the Allianz Arena in the summer, but with rumours suggesting he too could be struggling to find a first-team place for Götze - it is believed the Reds could sign him for as little as £15-20 million.

Klopp has already signed Marko Grujić, a highly-rated Serbian teenager who has returned to parent club Red Star Belgrade on loan for the remainder of the current season after sealing a £5.1 million transfer, whilst Matip will also join the club on a free transfer from Schalke in July.

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.