Liverpool have been boosted in their attempts to sign Marco Reus following reports of Borussia Dortmund putting contract talks with the 25-year-old German on hold.
Although Reus' current deal with Borussia Dortmund only expires in 2017, there is a buy-out clause in his contract that will allow him to leave the Westfalenstadion for only €25 million next summer.
As the German's current worth is much more than the above mentioned figure, Dortmund were keen to offer him a new improved contract without or with a considerably increased a release clause.
However, when the Bundesliga club did offer him a new deal two months ago, Reus rejected the offer as his wage demands of £180,000 a week were not met.
The German side were expected to further negotiate with Reus but Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has revealed that contract talks with the former Borussia Monchengladach midfielder has been put on hold due to the club currently focusing on their performances in the Bundesliga, where they are in 15th place.
"Nothing has changed about our intentions to continue our collaboration with Marco," Zorc told Sport Bild.
"But the current situation demands full focus from everybody at the club. Our biggest priority at the moment is to get out of this difficult situation. Everything else comes after that for now."
According to the Metro, this new development has put Liverpool on red alert as they have been long term admirers of Reus.
Following the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona this summer, the Reds have failed to continue their swagger in front of goal this season. Strikers Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli have struggled at Anfield, having failed to score a single goal in the English Premier League this season.
Despite Reus not being a traditional striker, the 25-year-old German is known for his goalscoring abilities, netting 45 goals in 96 appearances for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions so far.
Although the amount in Reus' buyout clause is only €25 million (£19.7) which comes into play in the summer, it is believed that the Reds are looking to make a €40.5 million (£32 million) in the January transfer window to ward off competitions from other clubs.
However, Liverpool are certainly not going to secure the signature of the German that easily as other Premier League sides, including Manchester United and Arsenal, are also reportedly interested in landing Reus in January.
