Liverpool making a move for Manchester United midfield target Frenkie de Jong would be 'absolutely sensational', according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: De Jong's future still unclear

The Dutchman has been continually linked with a move away from Barcelona throughout the summer, with a Premier League transfer mooted.

United have long appeared to be the front-runners to sign De Jong but Chelsea have also been mentioned, while a move to Liverpool has been talked up in recent days.

By Jurgen Klopp's own admission, the Reds are in need of a midfield signing before Thursday's transfer deadline, and the 25-year-old could fit the bill to perfection.

The Latest: Journalist discusses possible Anfield move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that De Jong now picking Liverpool over United would cause a 'meltdown', stating that it is a potential transfer bombshell to 'look out for' over the next three days.

The reporter stated:

"There have been a few whispers that Liverpool might make a late offer on de Jong as part of fixing their midfield problems. That would be an absolutely sensational story if they were to swoop now and take de Jong off United. It’d cause an absolute meltdown.

"I’ll be honest, at the moment, there’s been no obvious sign of that actually happening. But that is one perhaps to look out for. We’ll have to see."

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The Verdict: Feels unlikely

De Jong is an outstanding player whose technical quality could be perfect for Liverpool's midfield, but it is hard to see him moving to Anfield this summer.

A recent update from journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed that the Netherlands international is set to get his wish and remain at Barcelona, which immediately makes a move to Anfield seem highly unlikely.

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That being said, a late twist in the saga is always possible, and De Jong would be as good as anyone in terms of midfield additions for Liverpool, having a 94.5% pass completion rate in La Liga so far this season.

With the Reds' best performer in that regard posting 93.8% (excluding the fleeting substitute appearance of Bobby Clark on Saturday), the Dutchman would instantly improve Liverpool's ball retention, while also relieving the burden on elder statesmen like Jordan Henderson and James Milner.