Reported Liverpool target Brandt happy in Germany

Bayer Leverkusen star Julian Brandt insists he could be happy staying in Germany, despite links to Liverpool.

Brandt, 20, is a four-time Germany international and is reportedly a target for Jurgen Klopp, while Real Madrid are also said to be interested.

But it seems Brandt, who is contracted until mid-2019, may yet be content remaining in the Bundesliga.

“You can take the step [abroad], but I don’t think you have to,” he told DW.

“Those that back themselves to do it have nothing in their way. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to try and find your feet abroad. Julian [Draxler] and Leroy [Sane] are the best examples of that right now.

“They are both young players and have huge futures ahead of them.”

Brandt has two goals and six assists in the Bundesliga this season, with Leverkusen sitting eighth in the table.

With Roger Schmidt’s side eight points off the Champions League places, it could lead Brandt to make a move to feature in Europe’s top continental club competition.

“I think the allure of being world famous is normal. It would be a lie to say it wasn’t alluring, but where and when you never know,” he said.

“Football moves so quickly, and as quickly as things develop positively, they can also go south and see you slip into a place where you’re forgotten.”