Liverpool hold Frenkie de Jong transfer talks with Barcelona as Premier League leaders target shock €40m summer deal

According to El Nacional, Barcelona sporting director Deco has "received interest" in De Jong from Liverpool, with the Catalans "willing to listen to offers". Seeing it as a chance to bring in some money and reduce the wage bill, Barcelona are tipped to ask for at least €40 million (£33m/$41m).

Midfield is thought to be a key area for Liverpool to reinforce ahead of next season. Wataru Endo has nearly always been considered a short-term option and has now turned 32 years of age. De Jong, even for having been a prominent top-level player for a number of years is still only 27. Until last season's ankle problems, he had remained a key player for Barcelona, despite reported efforts to sell him to Manchester United in 2022.

De Jong is out of contract at Barcelona in 2026 and no new deal appears to be on the horizon, although there are now rumours that Hansi Flick wants to keep him.

If Barcelona are to sell De Jong, the question of a replacement has already been raised. Real Sociedad's €60m-rated Martin Zubimendi is the player linked by El Nacional, with the Spain international having turned down Liverpool last summer to stay in San Sebastian, but he has also been strongly linked with Arsenal.