Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has been told to join Liverpool despite strong interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Liverpool and Chelsea have made contact with De Jong as they consider signing him in January while United are still also hoping to land his signature, despite the player rejecting a move to Old Trafford after a summer deal was agreed.
United are now said to be prioritising a move for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, though he is wanted by a number of top European clubs.
De Jong, meanwhile, is currently on international duty with the Netherlands, who are out in Qatar with their opening World Cup match against Senegal on Monday.
The 25-year-old took part in an open training session on Thursday and told the media: ‘A lot of people came and there was no time to have a personal conversation.
‘One guy told me I had to join Liverpool! We loved doing this, but now the focus goes to Senegal.’
Liverpool failed to sign a midfielder on a permanent basis last summer and had to settle for the loan capture of Arthur Melo.
Injuries and poor form have seen Liverpool’s midfield come in for fierce criticism and with Jordan Henderson, Thiago and James Milner over the age of 30, the Reds are in desperate need to bring their average age down.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher is expecting his old side to spend huge money on rebuilding their midfield.
‘The issue is that the players don’t have the energy to play a full game at the intensity they’ve played at in previous seasons,’ Carragher told The Overlap.
‘Teams are now matching their energy, but this isn’t something that Liverpool has adapted.
‘The Arsenal game [on October 9] was a fine example of this – when they played Liverpool off the pitch in the second half – and that is why I can see Liverpool spending up to £200m on their midfield.’
MORE : Liverpool urged to sign Mason Mount and another Chelsea star by Brad Friedel
MORE : ‘I’m a massive fan’ – Steven Gerrard raves about Liverpool and Chelsea transfer target
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