Liverpool ready to pay ‘crazy money’ for Ten Hag favourite as Man Utd reach transfer decision

Liverpool are reportedly in the driving seat to sign Jurrien Timber with two prominent Dutch pundits both expecting Jurgen Klopp to win the race for the Manchester United target.

The Dutch defender finds himself a man in demand this summer with a move away from Ajax now looking likely. Indeed, the versatile defender has made it clear that he wishes to leave the Dutch giants and further his career elsewhere.

That has led to speculation of a fresh move to Manchester United, just 12 months after Erik ten Hag saw a move rebuffed. Indeed, the Dutchman made the Ajax defender a firm target just weeks after confirming his own switch to Old Trafford.

Timber, though, felt the timing was not right and wanted to stay put where he was and given they were able to offer Champions League football.

However, a year on and it seems Timber is ready to make a move. He has dropped a major hint that he is open to a transfer this summer with a telling hint.

“For me, it is the same situation as last season. If I say: I’m leaving, it has to fit,” Timber told Ziggo Sport. “Playing style is important, playing minutes… Participating in the prizes is also important. My favourite country? I dare not say that.

“That’s why I’m doing the same as last season. The chance is there, it can happen, but I’m also good here. I’m still young and everything suits me here. I’m going to take a look.”

And with Virgil van Dijk reportedly urging Klopp to make a move, talk of a move to Anfield is gathering serious pace.

READ MORE: Anfield icon reveals Van Dijk demand as Liverpool look to pounce for €50m-rated star

Liverpool ready to pay crazy money for Jurrien Timber

Those rumours are certainly heating up in the Netherlands.

And while United are continuing to look at a possible deal, the belief in the Netherlands is that Ten Hag’s priorities lie elsewhere.

Indeed, the Red Devils are instead likely to focus on a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

That seemingly leaves Liverpool with a clear run at signing the 21-year-old Ajax defender.

And former Netherlands stars Wesley Sneijder and Andy van der Meyde are both adamant that Timber will move to Anfield.

Sneijder said: “There may be eight or nine players that Ajax will have to say goodbye to. But you also have to fill that up with quality, if you want to re-join very quickly.”

Van der Meyde added: “I think they will do that in a different way with the youth. [Edson] Alvarez will leave for forty million, [Mohammed] Kudus for thirty million and Timber will probably go to Liverpool. They also pay crazy money. Then you can start building again.”

Timber, though, will not come cheap with Ajax reportedly demanding up to £44m (€50m).

However, given he can cover both at centre-half and at right-back, he seems the perfect addition to the Merseysiders’ defence. And with Klopp seemingly open to offers for Joel Matip, Timber could prove an ideal signing.

With claims the player’s girlfriend has also been spotted house-hunting on Merseyside, Timber has added more fuel to the fire.

Speaking with De Telegraaf, he said: “There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation.

“At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday.”

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