Brentford are moving to protect one of their brightest attacking talents after a flying start to the new Premier League season.
The Bees have been one of the early surprises of the campaign, going unbeaten through their opening five league matches.
Home wins over Tottenham and Chelsea, along with three draws, had them sitting fourth when the transfer speculation surfaced last week.
One forward in particular has driven that run, and his form has caught the attention of several of the division’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool are among them.
According to Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, the Reds have added the player to their shortlist, with interest from Liverpool and Arsenal growing towards the end of the summer transfer window. Chelsea and Tottenham have also been linked.
As per BBC Sport, Brentford’s response has been to open talks over a new deal on improved terms.
24 year old Kevin Schade has scored three Premier League goals this season, and his form has strengthened his international standing.
He started on the left wing in Jurgen Klopp’s first game in charge of Germany, against the Netherlands in Amsterdam, and kept his place for the manager’s second match.
Sky Sports reports that Schade is open to extending his stay in west London, although talks remain at an early stage and are not expected to progress quickly.
A long term agreement is Brentford’s preferred outcome, and the club are keen to stop the situation turning into a transfer battle.
Timing is the key issue.
Schade’s current contract expires in 2028, leaving less than two years to run.
A product of the youth systems at Babelsberg, Energie Cottbus and Freiburg, Schade first joined Brentford on loan in January 2023 before the move was made permanent that summer for a then club record £22 million.
Since then he has made 119 appearances for the club, scoring 25 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions.
Head coach Keith Andrews has praised him as a constant threat who works tirelessly for the team.
Those qualities would suit Andoni Iraola, whose sides are built on intensity, pressing and direct running.
Liverpool supporters will also remember Schade finding the net against their side last season.
There is history here too.
Liverpool were reportedly among the clubs interested in Schade back in 2021, before he signed a new contract at Freiburg.
For now, there is no indication that Liverpool have made a formal approach.
If Schade commits to a long term extension, Brentford will be in a strong position to demand a significant fee.
If talks stall, the January window could become far more interesting.
Either way, Liverpool will be watching closely.
Support DaveOCKOP and enjoy the site completely ad-free. You’ll get an uninterrupted browsing experience while helping us continue to deliver the latest Liverpool news, breaking stories and exclusives. Go ad-free today.