Liverpool hero John Barnes believes his former club should do all they can to complete the signing of Jurrien Timber.
Jurgen Klopp's side are reported to be interested in the Ajax defender. Manchester United are said to be, too, and that could be a key factor in deciding where Timber goes next given he used to play under their manager Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam.
However, the 21-year-old also has Liverpool connections given he plays alongside Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo for the Netherlands national team.
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Timber is under contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena until 2025 but he has admitted he is getting closer to a move. And Barnes would like to see the Reds strike a deal for the rising star this summer, citing the need for a long-term replacement for Van Dijk.
“Of course, I know that he played together with Van Dijk in the Dutch national team and according to the latest rumours Van Dijk has told him that he has to go to Anfield,” Barnes told Soccer News.
“He is a good player and would therefore be a good asset to Liverpool. Virgil is already over 30 and he will not stay with the club forever. So in the long term, it’s not just about ‘coming to the Reds to form a duo with Van Dijk.'
“Liverpool also just needs to look for a new defender for the future. And in that respect, Timber would of course be a fantastic option if we manage to capture him.”
Timber said recently: "A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.
"At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday. But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax."
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