Reported Liverpool transfer target Jurrien Timber has revealed an agreement is in place with Ajax regarding a potential summer exit.
Recent reports have linked the Reds with the centre-back, who has won 15 caps for the Netherlands.
While midfield is viewed as the priority for Liverpool, there is every chance they could bolster their defence in the summer. Virgil van Dijk turns 32 in July and Timber - a product of Ajax’s famous De Toekomst academy - could become his heir for club and country.
Valued at £50million, the 21-year-old is reportedly on several Premier League clubs’ radar. The Reds' bitter-rivals Manchester United appear a logical option, with their manager Erik ten Hag handing Timber his first-team debut while in charge of Ajax.
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The youngster struck up a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez last season, conceding just 19 goals as the Dutch giants secured a hat-trick of Eredivisie titles. Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and former Liverpool cult hero Gini Wijnaldum are, however, international team-mates and could hold the key to swinging the balance in the Anfield's side favour.
A contract until 2025 means Ajax may feel compelled to cash in at the end of the season to recoup optimal value for their prized asset. And speaking to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Timber gave his biggest hint yet he could be on the move this summer.
"A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak,” he said. “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.
"I’m still here anyway and I’m in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition."
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