Liverpool are interested in signing Royal Antwerp playmaker Arthur Vermeeren amid claims Manchester United really want him.
Arthur Vermeeren is in demand and Liverpool have been named as one of the clubs interested in his signature.
That is according to a report from Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, who claim that Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and West Ham United have all scouted Vermeeren.
It’s added that Manchester United, Liverpool, Ajax and RB Leipzig are also interested in Vermeeren ahead of the 2024 transfer windows.
SPORT add that Manchester United are especially interested because boss Erik ten Hag really wants to bring the youngster to Old Trafford.
That means Liverpool could miss out to their bitter rivals, with both in the market for yet another midfielder addition.
Erik ten Hag relationship could be vital
Liverpool are a very attractive proposition but the presence of Ten Hag may be something of a problem here.
Ten Hag is very close with Marc Overmars from their time together at Ajax.
Overmars is now the director of football at Royal Antwerp and would surely love to sell Vermereen to Ten Hag if he has to lose the midfielder.
Ryan Gravenberch offers Liverpool some hope here; he wanted a move to Anfield this summer despite suggestions of a reunion with Ten Hag at Manchester United.
The Overmans-Ten Hag relationship is one to keep an eye on though with United potentially seeking a favour from Ten Hag’s old mate.
Who is Liverpool and Manchester United target Arthur Vermeeren?
Vermeeren has come up through the Royal Antwerp academy and has now become a first-team player.
A technically-gifted midfielder, Vermeeren played an important role last season as Royal Antwerp won the Belgian league and cup double.
Still only 18, Vermeeren has earned a first Belgium under-21 cap and senior honours surely can’t be too far away.
The aforementioned Overmars is a huge fan, previously comparing Vermeeren to both Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
That’s lofty praise given everything Xavi and Iniesta achieved but Vermeeren has huge potential – and that’s why clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United are keen.
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