Liverpool 'to trigger Julian Brandt release clause'

Liverpool are reportedly preparing to trigger the release clause of Bayer Leverkusen attacker Julian Brandt.

Brandt has a £21.5m buy-out clause in his current deal, which runs until June 2021.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, who has scored seven times and contributed 14 assists in 38 appearances for Leverkusen this season.

However, according to Bild, Jurgen Klopp's side are ready to make their move as they attempt to secure the services of the Germany international.

Brandt, who is capable of operating in a number of positions in the final third, has scored 39 times in 210 appearances for Leverkusen since making his first-team debut for the Bundesliga giants in 2014.