Schalke join hunt for Reds' Baros

Milan Baros’ agent has held talks with German club Schalke over the Liverpool striker’s future.

Baros, 23, was left out of the 3-1 Champions League win against Kaunas in Lithuania earlier this week to avoid the Czech Republic striker getting cup-tied and decreasing his value.

With Aston Villa understood to be ready to increase their offer for the player, his agent Pavel Paska has claimed to have held a meeting with Schalke manager Rudi Assauer.

Baros has also been linked with moves to Lyon and Valencia but no deal has been agreed yet.

Paska said: “I can admit that I have had a meeting with Schalke manager Rudi Assauer. The name Baros has been noted. Schalke are one of the interested clubs. Nothing more.”

Baros had scored twice and made one goal in the last Saturday’s 4-3 friendly win over Olympiacos but did not feature in the Champions League, meaning he would be available for Schalke’s campaign in Europe’s premier club competition.

Liverpool have also confirmed they rejected an offer from Villa last week.

Villa boss David O’Leary could now use some of the cash he acquired from the sale of Darius Vassell to Manchester City to boost his bid for Baros.

But Schalke are believed to have already contacted Liverpool, although the suggestion of a season-long loan seems wide of the mark because Anfield chief Rafael Benitez wants the cash now to boost his chase for a new centre-back and a right-sided midfielder.