Liverpool are interested in making a move for Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to reports in Spain.
The Lowdown: De Jong is a huge talent
The 24-year-old has stood out as possibly one of Europe's most gifted young central midfielders in recent years, having emerged from Ajax's youth system.
While Barca are struggling badly as a club, exiting the Champions League in midweek, De Jong has been a silver lining in the squad, starting 11 La Liga games this season and averaging a remarkable 91.7 pass completion rate in the competition.
Xavi has hailed De Jong as an 'extraordinary' player in the past but it could be that the Dutchman feels his future lies away from Barca if these reports are to be believed.
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The Latest: Liverpool linked with move
According to Sport [via Sport Witness], both Liverpool and Bayern Munich are eyeing up the midfielder, with the report stating that they are 'crazy to sign him'.
There are concerns at Barca that De Jong isn't happy and there are 'important offers on the table' for his services, even though it is not known whether the Reds have made a concrete bid.
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The Verdict: Magnificent summer signing
De Jong is an outstanding footballer and he could be the perfect summer addition at Liverpool next year, at a point where some fresh blood will be needed in the middle of the park.
The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are all in their 30s - Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are 28, too - so De Jong could be a brilliant young option to address the long-term future in the heart of Jurgen Klopp's side.
Not only is he a class act on the ball, averaging 1.5 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per game, but also works hard off it, making 1.7 tackles per match - more than Thiago (1.6), Milner (1.5), Fabinho (1.4) and Henderson (1.1).
In other news, Liverpool are still believed to be monitoring a rumoured signing. Find out who it is here.