Man Utd and Liverpool 'set to go head-to-head' over signing of former Arsenal player this summer

Manchester United and Liverpool will go head-to-head to sign the same player this summer, according to a new report.

Both clubs are often linked with similar players in each transfer window as the rumour mill tries to spin, but they rarely battle it out to sign the same one - publicly, at least.

Jurgen Klopp did reject the chance to be appointed at United after Sir Alex Ferguson departed the club in 2013 only to subsequently join Liverpool two years later, although United's last meeting with the German had been in 2014 after the sacking of David Moyes.

Even last summer, with both clubs in the Champions League, United secured the signing of Liverpool-linked Mason Mount - although there was never any clear evidence that the Reds were ever going to launch a serious bid to acquire the former Chelsea star.

Twelve months on, though, and the two sides could in fact launch rival bids for the same player.

According to German outlet Bild, both Liverpool and United are keen on signing Netherlands and Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, who represented Arsenal at youth level.

It is claimed that the Reds have already held discussions with Malen's entourage about a potential move to Anfield. Liverpool were said to have spoken to Malen's agent when he was at PSV in 2021 - when the now-returning Reds chief Michael Edwards was at the recruitment helm.

However, Bild add that the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position for next season, with Klopp leaving the club, could hold up any move for Malen's services.

United, meanwhile, are in the market for another forward this summer.

Antony was signed by Erik ten Hag for £86 million in the summer of 2022, but has generally failed to hit expectations at Old Trafford and recent reports have consistently linked him with a move away this summer.

However, United will hope that his stunning goal in the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool may spark a renaissance.

Malen, who never made a Premier League appearance for Arsenal despite coming through their youth system, has scored 11 Bundesliga goals for Dortmund this season.

Transfermarkt rate him at a value of €35 million - the highest market value of his career - and at 25, he could decide that now is the ideal time for a new challenge after three years at Dortmund, who paid €30 million to sign him from PSV Eindhoven.

However, interested clubs may need to pay more than that figure to land him, as Dortmund are not believed to be keen to part company with one of their key assets for a low fee.