As expected, Liverpool are still trying to make some significant (meaning expensive) signings this offseason, once again turning their attention to Kyriakos Papadopoulos of Schalke 04, hoping that their improved offer does more than their previous attempts.

According to the Bild, Liverpool have made an offer of €14 million for the Greek centre back, although his release clause is around €22 million, which means Schalke don’t have to feel pressured by the current deal.

The 21 year old has already appeared 16 times for the national side, although took a step back last season due to an injury that forced him to play only 10 Bundesliga matches, undergoing a knee operation last November that kept him out for the rest of the season.

However, at his best, Papdopoulos was considered as possibly the best young centre back in the Bundesliga, signed by Schalke in 2010 for only £1.8 million. Despite his knack for being overly aggressive and committing foolish fouls, he is unbeatable in the air on both ends of the pitch, and shows remarkable timing when it comes to tackling and interceptions.

His passing game, something that’s very important to Brendan Rodgers, as seen by his lack of trust in Martin Skrtel, benched midway through last season, might be a problem for the team, and yet his age and potential, not to mention Liverpool’s need for a starting centre back next to Daniel Agger pushes them towards making aggressive moves in Papadopoulos’ direction.

For now, it looks like Kolo Toure, a free signing for Liverpool this offseason, will be the one who starts next to Agger if no one is signed. There’s also Uruguayan youngster Sebastián Coates, but the 22 year old has failed to show consistency during the few opportunities he’s gotten playing for the team, playing only 12 matches since arriving at the club, and isn’t thought of as an option for the first XI at the moment.