Schalke won't give up on Kalou

Schalke will pursue their interest in exit-bound Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, despite competition for his services from Liverpool.

Manager Huub Stevens has expressed his admiration for the player on more than one occasion, and believes that the Ivorian would be a perfect addition to his side ahead of the new Bundesliga season. The Ivory Coast international has not been offered an extension to his soon-to-expire contract by Chelsea, but was understood to be keen to remain in the Premier League, and and for a while it looked as though Brendan Rodgers would make Kalou one of his first signings as Reds manager. But ambitious Bundesliga outfit Schalke are refusing to give up on getting their man, and mananger Stevens believes the player would be open to a move away from the Premier League. "Kalou is a Bosman player this summer. It's obvious, then, that there are many other clubs who will be keen on him," he said. "Liverpool have made their interest clear but I know for sure he wants to move away from England. This could be our chance." Liverpool manager Rodgers worked with Kalou during his time on the coaching staff at Chelsea, and is understood to be in the market for an attacking midfielder following the departure of Dirk Kuyt to Fenebahce.