Liverpool haven't made a permanent midfield signing in two years – could they be about to poach one of their arch-rivals' top targets?
(Image credit: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Liverpool are reportedly keen on a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who's long been linked with a switch to Manchester United.
United came close to landing De Jong this summer – they were agreed a fee for the Dutch international – but no deal ever came to fruition. In the end, the Red Devils signed Casemiro from Real Madrid.
However, according to Barcelona-based outlet Sport (via the Mirror), United haven't dropped their interest in De Jong. The report adds, though, that they might have to fend off competition from their arch-rivals if they're to bring the 25-year-old to Old Trafford.
De Jong has started only one of Barcelona's last four games (Image credit: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
News of the Reds' interest comes amid talk that De Jong is becoming increasingly unhappy in Catalonia. The former Ajax man has made just four starts in all competitions this season, having to make do with substitute appearances in each of Barca's last two outings.
As such, it's been speculated that De Jong could leave Barca as soon as January. So, is a Liverpool vs Manchester United transfer battle on the cards for the New Year?
Well, United are said to have already set about reopening negotiations, while it was recently reported that the Reds – who haven't made a permanent midfield addition since signing Thiago from Bayern Munich two years ago – will be able to spend big in the next transfer window.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Despite his lack of club action, De Jong will hope to head to his first World Cup next month (Image credit: DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
De Jong joined Barca from Ajax for an initial £65m in January 2019. He's under contract at Camp Nou until the summer of 2026, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at £54m.
Often ranked among the very best midfielders in the game, De Jong has made 150 appearances for Barca, scoring 14 goals.
Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...
