Liverpool make first move for "great" player dubbed "a beast" - Chelsea also interested

Rumours surrounding the future of the Dutchman have been rife for much of the calendar year, ever since Man United's desperation to sign De Jong became apparent.

It was reported this summer that United had a bid accepted for the midfielder. However, the player himself was not keen for a host of different reasons.

Eventually, the move didn't happen, and the Red Devils turned their attentions elsewhere. Casemiro joined the club from Real Madrid before the transfer deadline.

It was believed that this could be the end of the De Jong transfer saga - at least for the time being. But the 25-year-old has not been an automatic starter for Xavi's side this season. This is despite the Barcelona boss calling him a "great player" and a "beast" earlier in the year.

Elsewhere, Liverpool have had midfield problems of their own. Thiago, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are amongst those to have suffered from injury this season. The latter two names are yet to make an appearance for the Reds this season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been without influential midfielder N'Golo Kante for most of the season. He made just two Premier League appearances in August, before suffering a hamstring injury.

The Frenchman had surgery on the problem earlier this week, and will be sidelined for both months.

ESPN have reported that there is interest from both sides in De Jong. Furthermore, it is claimed that Liverpool have already made contact with the player's representatives as they explore a possible move.

The same source also reports that De Jong "may be willing" to reconsider the decision taken in the summer, which saw him elect to stay at Barcelona rather than move elsewhere.