• Bundesliga

Dortmund dive in for Liverpool target Mkhitaryan

ESPN staff
June 27, 2013

Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the new favourites to sign Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan, after tabling a £19.5 million bid with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was believed to be in pole position to land Mkhitaryan after tracking the midfielder all summer, yet their hopes of success have been hit by Dortmund's interest.

Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin is furious that his star has not reported for pre-season training as he targets a summer move, with Shakhtar naming their price for the player.

"Borussia offered £19.5 million. I contacted Mkhitaryan's agent on Tuesday and I wrote to him about the club's position. We are prepared to sell for £25 million," stated Palkin in the Sun.

"This offer stands for the next 10 days. If Mkhitaryan wishes to leave, they have to pay this amount for him."

Dortmund's ability to offer Champions League football to Mkhitaryan appears to give them an edge over Liverpool this summer, with the future of wantaway striker Luis Suarez also creating a hint of uncertainty at Anfield.

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