Liverpool transfer BLOW! Reds defensive target Benedikt Howedes distances himself from Schalke exit

Germany international Benedikt Howedes has no intentions of leaving Schalke this summer, despite reported interest from Liverpool.

Howedes has been stripped of the captaincy at Schalke by coach Domenico Tedesco and there are suggestions that the club could be willing to listen to offers for him in the final week of the window.

Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the central defender and the Reds are believed to be monitoring his situation, with Juventus also mooted to be interested in signing him.

However, Howedes has indicated that he doesn't see himself leaving the Bundesliga club for the moment, despite his desire to play outside Germany at some point in his career.

The defender told Funke Mediengruppe when asked about his future: "I've always said that I would exclude a change within the league, but I can imagine a transfer outside the country.

"But the time for that, as of today, has not arrived."

The 29-year-old still has two years left on his contract with Schalke and remains committed to the club, in news which will disappoint Liverpool boss Klopp