Liverpool told €60m could land Kaishū Sano as Mainz open door to offers

Liverpool have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Kaishū Sano after Mainz sporting director Niko Bungert confirmed the Bundesliga club would consider offers for the midfielder.

The Japan international has attracted growing interest following his performances for club and country, with Liverpool among several major European sides monitoring his situation.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund have also been linked, but fresh reports in Germany have focused particularly on the possibility of Sano moving to Anfield.

Speaking to Bild, Bungert made clear that Mainz are under no pressure to sell the 25-year-old.

However, he also confirmed that a sufficiently attractive offer would be considered.

"It's obvious that a player who has played two years in the Bundesliga and was outstanding at the World Cup, probably the best player in his position, is in demand.

"There's no doubt there are interested parties. It's well known that England is the league where outstanding players usually move."

Sano remains under contract until 2028, leaving Mainz in a strong negotiating position.

Bungert insists that means the German club can afford to wait for an offer that reflects their valuation.

"Our big advantage is that the player still has a long-term contract, so we're under no pressure at all and won't be rushing anything."

The Mainz director then made the club's position even clearer.

An offer will be assessed, but Sano will remain in Germany if interested clubs fail to meet Mainz's expectations.

"If a club comes along with an offer, we'll consider it. If, in our view, it's not high enough for the player's market value, then it's also possible that Kaishū will stay with us longer.

"As of today, everything is still open. But we know, of course, that we have a player who is generating a lot of interest."

According to Bild, Mainz are looking for a fee close to €60 million.

That is significantly higher than Sano's reported €40 million market valuation, but his World Cup performances have strengthened the Bundesliga club's position.

The midfielder scored in Japan's 2-1 defeat to Brazil, which ended their tournament, but his overall performances have further increased interest in him.

Bild suggests it would not be a surprise if Sano eventually replaced compatriot Wataru Endō at Liverpool.

The Reds' defensive midfield situation could become a major issue this summer.

Ryan Gravenberch, Endō and Stefan Bajcetic are currently the recognised options in the position, but two of those players face uncertain futures.

Bajcetic is reportedly negotiating a return to Spain after missing the whole of last season through injury. Endō, meanwhile, has also struggled with fitness problems and is entering the final year of his contract.

If either player leaves, Liverpool would be left with Gravenberch as their only established defensive midfielder.

That makes a new signing increasingly important for Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool are not alone in admiring Sano.

Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with the Japan international, while Borussia Dortmund are another club credited with interest.

The Premier League interest is particularly significant given Bungert's comments about England being the destination where leading players often move.

Sano's profile also appears well suited to English football. His defensive qualities, mobility and experience in the Bundesliga have helped establish him as one of the most highly rated midfielders in his position.

However, the €60 million asking price could become a major obstacle.

There is currently no indication that Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester United are prepared to meet that figure.

Liverpool must decide whether Sano is worth a major investment as they assess the futures of Bajcetic and Endō.

Mainz have publicly opened the door to offers but are under no pressure to sell, meaning interested clubs will need to get close to their valuation to make progress.

With Sano's World Cup performances increasing his reputation and several major clubs watching, the midfielder could become one of the most closely followed Bundesliga players during the remainder of the transfer window.

Should Liverpool pay close to €60 million for Kaishū Sano, or look for a cheaper defensive midfielder this summer?