Just how much Liverpool want to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will soon become clear. As reported by the ECHO on Wednesday afternoon, the Reds have held talks with the representatives of the Hungary international and have been admirers of the 22-year-old for a number of years.
They are not alone in tracking Szoboszlai, however. Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder and could also make their move to bring the player to St James' Park.
Whichever club acts quickest to recruit the youngster will be aware of the €70million (£60m) release clause understood to be attached to his current contract.
Reports from Germany have suggested this is set to expire at midnight, meaning Liverpool will have to little choice other than to pay the required £60m should they wish to take advantage of this clause.
READ MORE: Why Arsenal can spend £209m on Rice, Havertz and Timber as Liverpool watch on
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer state of play as Arsenal send £105m warning amid FSG unrest
Failure to do so would ensure Leipzig will then be in a position of power as regards negotiations, possessing the ability to set their own price tag for Szoboszlai from July 1 onwards.
Whether or not Liverpool deem the player's £60m clause a fair fee remains to be seen, but what is Newcastle's stance on Szoboszlai?
Offering an insight into how the Magpies are set to approach the situation, The Chronicle state Eddie Howe's side believe this figure is expensive for an individual unproven in the Premier League and that this valuation 'did not fit' with their own assessment.
It is added Newcastle are not willing to enter a bidding war should they look to negotiate a fee past the June 30 deadline and will 'quickly move on to other targets' if they fail in their attempts to strike a deal.
The Toon Army are already close to announcing a £52million deal for AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali, having ended their pursuit of Inter star Nicolo Barella, who has also been heavily linked with the Reds. Unlike with Szoboszlai, it seems Liverpool would not have to worry about competition from Newcastle should they decide to launch a bid for Barella.
