Liverpool transfers: Klopp desperate to beat Man Utd to Ajax star as second Reds target brands future ‘a mess’

Reported Liverpool and Manchester United target Jurrien Timber has opened up on his future amid claims he could be on the move to the Premier League this summer.

The 21-year-old defender has been touted for a move to Old Trafford ever since Erik ten Hag took over the reins last summer. However, the Dutchman instead opted to move for Lisandro Martinez with Timber making it clear he was happy where he was at the time.

Speculation though has continued to circle around Timber, with talk heightening a move is imminent after he was spotted at Wembley attending the FA Cup final.

Despite that, it is links with Liverpool that have developed more strongly. And strong reports last month claimed Jurgen Klopp was ready to pay ‘crazy money’ to get a deal for Timber done.

Capable of playing at centre-half or as right-back cover, it is easy to see why Klopp has a liking for the Ajax star.

Timber, though, will not come cheap with a €50m exit clause in his deal.

Speaking to Dutch publication Vandaag Inside this week, Timber admits he is open to a possible move away.

“I’m not in talks with Ajax right now,” he said. “I spoke briefly to [Ajax director of football, Sven] Mislintat in the beginning. My agent had a good talk with him a few times. But it’s not like we’re talking about anything right now.

“Will I stay with Ajax anyway? I’m not sure.”

Links with Liverpool, though, continue to gather pace amid claims Klopp is desperate to beat United to his signature.

Klopp’s wish to sign right-back cover, in order to free up a move further forward for Trent Alexander-Arnold, has been well documented.

READ MORE: Liverpool star agrees exit after just one season after admitting interest from ‘quite a few clubs’

Gabri Veiga also opens up on Liverpool speculation

And with Timber among a host of possible options – Benjamin Pavard is another – Liverpool appear to have freed up space by allowing Calvin Ramsay to move into the Championship for a season.

It’s not just in defence where Liverpool want to strengthen. Indeed, Klopp’s wish to bring in at least three new midfielders this summer is well documented.

And one name strongly linked of late is Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga.

The gifted Spanish midfielder has been making waves after an excellent season with Celta Vigo. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder scored 11 times, adding four assists from 36 appearances in LaLiga.

But with a €40m clause in his deal, keeping him at the Estadio de Balaidos will not be easy.

Indeed, interest comes within Spain from Barcelona and Real Madrid. Further afield, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester City and Napoli are also reportedly keen.

Situation is a ‘bit of a mess’

And with Fabrizio Romano confirming he’s on Liverpool’s wishlist, the midfielder himself has opened up on his future.

Veiga recently split with his representative, hooking up instead with super-agent Pini Zahavi.

And amid heightening speculation on a summer move, the Spain Under-21 star refused to rule out a transfer.

“It’s been a bit of a mess,” Veiga confessed. “I left my [agent] and then I took some time off. I went with the one that I think is the best and I think I’ve matured a lot.

“I’m not thinking about my future, I want to live in the present and the National Team. What I want for my future is to be in the European Championship, because there is still the final list. Then [I want] to win it. I am here in the national team, in a very nice challenge.”

Liverpool have one new signing in the bag so far in Alexis Mac Allister. But if Klopp has his way, it surely won’t be too long before more new signings are Anfield bound.

READ MORE ~ Sources: Top Leeds United star tells club he wants out as Liverpool join Man Utd, Newcastle in £40m race