The Schalke defender is under contract with the German club until 2011 but would relish a summer switch to Anfield.

"Liverpool is a top destination," the 22-year-old said in the Sunday Mirror.

"If a move would suit Schalke as well as myself, we can discuss it."

Schalke director of football Andreas Muller said: "It is good that our players are being linked with such prestigious clubs, but we don't want to let anyone go."