Schalke have officially pulled out of the race to sign Milan Baros, paving the way for the Czech Republic international to move to the mystery club discussing a transfer with Liverpool.
Aston Villa and West Ham are both keen on the talented striker and Liverpool have made it clear that they will not entertain the prospect of loaning out the 23-year-old.
A straight cash deal is being negotiated as Baros's future is set to be decided within a matter of days.
Schalke had agreed personal terms with Baros but finally learned, rather unsurprisingly, that Liverpool were not prepared to farm out the player on a temporary basis.
"The club only want to sell the player and is not interested in a loan move," admitted Royal Blues managing director Rudi Assauer on the club's official website after a telephone conference with Liverpool officials.
"But we can't afford the €8 million or €10 million; that's impossible and, therefore, Milan Baros won't join Schalke 04."
Schalke landed Danish striker Soren Larsen from Djurgardens over the weekend but coach Ralf Rangnick had hoped that Baros's arrival would strengthen his squad.
After selling controversial Brazilian forward Ailton to Turkish giants Besiktas, Rangnick will now have to settle with the four strikers at his disposal as he has Larsen, Kevin Kuranyi, Gerald Asamoah and Danish veteran Ebbe Sand in his squad.
"I don't think that Schalke is his only option," commented agent Pavel Paska on Monday to MF Dnes.
"Liverpool will now have the key. It is a question of hours or a few days.
"It will be decided soon. It's nonsense [to say he will leave on loan]."
So what now? I doubt that he will join Villa or West Ham. What other clubs are interested in him and are willing to pay 7 million but can provide him CL footie?
