Liverpool have just over 48 hours to trigger a release clause in Dominik Szoboszlai's contract with RB Leipzig, it has been claimed.
Liverpool and Newcastle have both been linked with Hungary international Szoboszlai.
The 22-year-old has attracted the attention of the Premier League clubs after impressing for Leipzig, who he joined from Red Bull Salzburg in 2021.
The attacking midfielder, who can also operate out wide, scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 46 appearances for the German club last season.
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The Athletic's David Ornstein has claimed that Liverpool met with Szoboszlai's representatives this week to discuss a potential summer transfer.
It is claimed that the midfielder has a €70m release clause in his contract with Leipzig.
Ornstein added that while Liverpool have begun to explore the possibility of signing the Hungarian this summer, there is 'an acceptance within the club' that it will be a 'very difficult get a deal done'.
A potential deal for Szoboszlai could be further complicated once his release clause expires, with reports in Germany claiming it will cease to exist after June 30.
Sky Germany journalist Philipp Hinze made the claim on Twitter on Wednesday, shortly after Ornstein's initial report.
"Can confirm the concrete @LFC interest in Dominik Szoboszlai. @TheAthleticFC first," tweeted Hinze.
"@NUFC are also still in. Open future for the Hungarian, whose release clause is €70m. But: The exit option only runs until 30 June!
"After that, the transfer fee is freely negotiable."
Szoboszlai's praise for Klopp
Szoboszlai has previously praised Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and has said it would be a 'special experience' to work under the German.
Speaking to Hungarian YouTube channel Csisztu in 2020, the Hungary international said (via Liverpool.com): "I really like Klopp. The kind of human being he is.
"The way he can inspire his players is unbelievable. Even when they have nothing, they can stand up and his players can achieve anything. For me he is the best manager [in the world]."
He later told Index (via Liverpool Echo): "It would certainly be a special experience to work under Klopp. As it would be under [Manchester City boss Pep] Guardiola or [Roma head coach] Jose Mourinho.
"I don't know what they would be able to get out of me. Relatively few footballers are given all this (opportunity), however. Only the best. I believe I can reach that level, and it would be great to work with any of them one day."
Topics: Liverpool, Football, Premier League, RB Leipzig
Rory O'Callaghan