Liverpool could hijack Man City's move for No 1 transfer target after Europa League elimination

Liverpool could hijack Manchester City's move to sign Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala this summer, it has been claimed.

The Guardian reported on Thursday that the 21-year-old midfielder had emerged as City's top target following their elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid.

Musiala has two years left on his contract at the Allianz Arena, and reportedly turned down a contract extension in March. However, it is claimed that Bayern would still demand a huge fee for his services.

The midfielder, who can also play out wide and further forward, has experience of playing in English football, having come through Chelsea's youth system before opting to take on a new challenge in Germany.

And he may decide on another new challenge this summer, with Bayern failing to win the Bundesliga this season and manager Thomas Tuchel leaving the club once the campaign concludes.

But according to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are keen on joining the race, with the Germany international said to have 'admirers' at Anfield.

🥇| People at Liverpool admire Jamal Musiala. [@FabrizioRomano] pic.twitter.com/wuLlZ5o4kB

— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) April 18, 2024

German outlet Bild reported last year that Musiala has been on the Reds' shortlist for some time during Jurgen Klopp's time in charge, and it appears that isn't going to change once he leaves his role at Anfield at the end of the season.

Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who joined the Reds from Bayern last summer, didn't hesitate in naming his former team-mate as the best young player he had played alongside during an interview with Sky Sports.

He explained: "Jamal does crazy things in training, and also in the game. He's very good for his age.

"I think he could win a Ballon d'Or once in his life. He will keep improving and get even better, there's a good chance. He's really good with his crazy dribbling."

And Tuchel - who has been linked with potentially taking up the Liverpool vacancy if first choice target Ruben Amorim turns it down - has also praised Musiala, telling reporters: "Jamal has been decisive in games time and time again in recent weeks. He's very reliable.

"The mixture between dribbling and passing - in other words, the whole decision-making process - is very good. We'll continue to push him because he's going to be crucial for us."