Frenkie de Jong was asked if he would join Liverpool by migrant worker in World Cup training session

Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has revealed he was sent a 'request' to join Liverpool during a World Cup training session for migrant workers.

De Jong has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona in recent months, with Manchester United pursuing the player for most of the summer transfer window.

Various reasons were reported as to why the Dutchman didn't join United, despite the two clubs agreeing a fee.

They ranged from the player not wanting to move to Old Trafford, and a row between Barca and De Jong regarding a wage deferral in his contract.

Eventually, United moved on from one of their top targets. They went on to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid, ending any pursuit of De Jong for the time being.

In October, meanwhile, the Daily Mirror reported that Liverpool were 'plotting' a January move for the 25-year-old as they attempt to add more depth to their midfield.

And De Jong has told the story of how, during the aforementioned training session, one of the migrant workers asked him to join Liverpool in the next window - and how he responded.

De Jong on Liverpool 'request'

Speaking to Dutch outlet AD.NL (quotes via Liverpool Echo), De Jong smiled: "It was special for them [the migrant workers], but also for us. It gives us energy and joy.

"A lot of people came, and there was no time to have a personal conversation.

"One guy told me I had to join Liverpool! We loved doing this, but now the focus goes to Senegal."

The training session with the migrant workers who helped to build infrastructure and facilities for the World Cup was part of a FIFA initiative.

The FA, meanwhile, confirmed that England players met with migrant workers on Thursday to learn about their experiences building up to the tournament.

The Guardian reported in February 2021 that 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the country was awarded the World Cup in 2010, something 'categorically' denied by authorities.

England also held a training session for the migrant workers as a 'Community Engagement Event', with competing nations given a list of potential activities they could take part in during the World Cup.