Liverpool 'step up interest' in Erik ten Hag 'favourite' Ryan Gravenberch as asking price revealed

Liverpool have stepped up their interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, according to The Times.

The Reds are currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, with a European finish seemingly out of reach.

In turn, Jurgen Klopp is desperate to reinvest in his squad this summer, with a particular focus on refreshing his ageing midfield.

The German boss recently put an end to his pursuit of Jude Bellingham, after Borussia Dortmund's asking price of over £100 million was considered a stretch too far.

Klopp has since turned his attention to 20-year-old midfielder Gravenberch, who has struggled for game time since making the switch to Bayern from Ajax last summer.

Gravenberch price tag revealed

The Times claim that one of Liverpool's representatives travelled to Holland on Tuesday to hold talks with Gravenberch’s father, Ryan senior, over a potential move to Anfield.

The report states that the dynamic midfielder should cost around £25 million, significantly less than Bellingham's projected £130 million price tag.

Gravenberch burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old, becoming the Eredevisie’s youngest-ever debutant, and the sixth-youngest Dutch international when he won his first cap for the Netherlands in 2021.

While during his early years at Ajax, he was said to be a favourite of current Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

However, the versatile midfielder has struggled for opportunities in a Bayern shirt, having been limited to just 18 Bundesliga appearances, with 17 of those coming off the bench.

New Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel recently praised Gravenberch's qualities, urging him to fight for his place in the side.

“I see Ryan’s qualities in training, he’s doing well. He’s a midfielder who can turn and dribble very well. Now it’s about being patient. It’s about fighting to be there,” Tuchel said in a press conference.