Liverpool priced out of a move for exciting €80m Dutch schemer

Liverpool were priced out of summer transfer for Ajax star Donny van de Beek, according to a report.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was a target for Jurgen Klopp in the summer, according to FcInterNews, but Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan were also keen on the Dutch international.

However, after a brilliant season which included scoring 17 goals and registering 13 assists in all competitions, as the Dutch outfit reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and cleaned up in the Eredivisie they demanded a fee of €80m for the player.

Van de Beek was one of Ajax’s standout performers for Ajax last season, and he has continued his impressive form into this season with three goals and six assists to his name so far.

Apparently Ajax are looking to extend Van de Beek’s contract, which expires in 2021, by two years and the report claims there could be a “gentleman’s agreement” inserted which would allow him to move for a fixed price next summer.

Only last week Manchester United reportedly dropped their interest in Van de Beek – after being quoted £100m by the Dutch giants if they wanted to sign him in a January deal.

That was according to the Daily Mirror, who claimed United could have signed the Netherlands international for just £35m back in the summer and, having decided to rekindle that interest, have now been told the midfielder’s asking price is a staggering £100m.

Meanwhile, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is still in touch Dutchman’s agent, while Sport Witness report that Spurs and Manchester United remain “very interested” in the player.