Fabrizio Romano might well have a positive update for Liverpool supporters regarding a reported Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong.
Sport in Spain reported last week that newly-appointed United manager Erik ten Hag wanted the Barcelona midfielder at Old Trafford next season, with the Dutch boss having worked with him at Ajax.
And the same publication floated back in February claimed that Liverpool were plotting a summer transfer for the Netherlands international, who has a release clause of around £337 million at Camp Nou.
However, Liverpool might be a more likely destination, based on comments from the Italian journalist.
Romano has revealed that although Barcelona boss Xavi is desperate to keep De Jong at Catalunya, the player himself is keen to play Champions League football.
And with the Red Devils five points behind fourth-placed Arsenal – who have two games in hand over Ralf Rangnick’s outfit – it seems unlikely that a move to the Theatre of Dreams will appeal to De Jong, regardless of Ten Hang’s imminent arrival.
He said to Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel: “Frenkie De Jong, I’m told he wants to play Champions League football. It won’t be an easy deal for Manchester United. Xavi wants to keep the player and he wants to play Champions League football.”
What a stunning deal this would be for Liverpool.
As brilliant as Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are, both players will be past their prime within a couple of years and Jurgen Klopp – who committed his stay at Anfield until 2026 on Thursday – will no doubt be looking for a long-term replacement for one of those mainstays.
Thing is, the Manchester United link definitely makes sense in light of their injuries, not to mention Paul Pogba seemingly leaving the club this summer.
But if Romano is to be believed, then Liverpool definitely have a better chance of luring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.
The Ten Hag element is a factor, but not as big as Champions League football it seems.
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