Ryan Smart
Liverpool are set to make a move for a Barcelona star to kick-start their summer transfer business, according to a new report.
The Reds have not been particularly active in the market since manager Arne Slot took charge in July, signing two players on permanent deals in the summer and none in the winter window.
The Dutchman has instead largely worked with what he originally had, converting Ryan Gravenberch into an all-action defensive midfield and helping the likes of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to provide greater goal contribution quantities.
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Liverpool were keen on signing a defensive midfielder in the summer, but turned away from their initial plan after Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Anfield.
The Spaniard has been linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of next season despite already once turning down a move to English football.
But Liverpool have are reportedly set to launch a bid for another long-term target that may be allowed to leave Barcelona in the summer.
According to Caught Offside, the Reds are already planning a move for midfielder Frenkie de Jong, with the club believing that he could be available for just €35 million (£29.3 million).
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Barca are currently suffering from financial difficulties that has prevented them from registering players, dating back to 2021 when they were unable to register Lionel Messi's new contract with La Liga.
De Jong is one of the club's highest earners and therefore may be a candidate to leave, with Liverpool said to believe that he could be available for transfer.
Barca signed the Dutchman for a fee of €75 million in 2019 and he has a release clause in his contract worth a staggering €400 million.
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But his current deal expires in the summer of 2026, and De Jong has been in and out of the side in recent months under Hansi Flick. After several failed attempts by Manchester United to sign him, Liverpool could finally bring the 27-year-old to the Premier League.