Liverpool Transfer News: Borussia Dortmund Double Deal, Jack Butland Rumours

Latest rumours have linked Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with a recruitment drive aimed at former club Borussia Dortmund, and both Mats Hummels and Marco Reus are reported to be on his radar this winter.

That's according to the Daily Star on Sunday, with both players said to cost a combined £56 million if the Black and Yellows were to consider selling the pair (h/t Mirror).

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Klopp developed strong bonds with both players over the course of a seven-year stay at Signal Iduna Park, recruiting Hummels from Bayern Munich in 2009 before bringing Reus back to his boyhood club in 2012.

The Reds boss recently confirmed he's free to launch bids for his former disciples should he wish, insisting there is no agreement with Dortmund to ignore his old squad, per John Richardson of the Daily Express:

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There is no agreement with Borussia Dortmund. I heard as well that there was one – these sort of things are always written at the time but, no it’s not true. [...] I have a good relationship with Borussia Dortmund and a good relationship with all the players there – there is nothing negative between us.

So there could be a possibility – if we need a player then we could try. At this moment there is nothing to talk about. But there is no agreement that we can’t do business with Dortmund. There’s also no agreement that we can’t sell players to Dortmund!

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It's important to note Klopp's comments are hardly a steadfast commitment to pursuing his former players but merely an admission Liverpool could chase two of Dortmund's top men this January, as they are just about any target.

The German giants will hardly be eager to offload either talisman, but in the case of centre-back Hummels, Dortmund are even looking to extend his contract, said chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, per ESPN FC's Stefan Buczko:

Klopp has numerous options at his disposal in central defence, with Mamadou Sakho, Marti Skrtel and Dejan Lovren all competing for a starting place when fit, while Kolo Toure is lower down the pecking order.

However, Liverpool may seek a more elite class of defender to beef up their resources, and with Toure's deal coming to an end this summer, the club may be deemed in need of alternatives.

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Reus continues to be linked with just about every major European power, but after Raheem Sterling's departure from Anfield over the summer, one can see why the Reds would be interested in his services.

Milanese journalist Tancredi Palmeri sees the Germany international moving to Real Madrid in 2016, however, with the former Borussia Monchengladbach forward currently one of Europe's most sought-after talents:

Meanwhile, the Sun reported Liverpool are in the hunt to sign Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland next summer following his rise at the Britannia Stadium (h/t Metro's Lewis Rudd).

This has been a breakthrough campaign for the England international, who came into manager Mark Hughes' XI as a replacement for Asmir Begovic and is answering the call with maturity, as shown by OptaJoe:

Simon Mignolet's place as Liverpool's first-choice stopper has previously come under speculation, and although the Belgian has thus far kept his spot, 22-year-old Butland would represent an investment for the future.

Rudd's report indicated Liverpool would have to pay £20 million for the former Birmingham City marvel, but even that fee could prove good value for a player being tipped to lead England in the years to come.