Liverpool could be about to miss out on PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen after the Dutchman reportedly strikes an agreement with Borussia Dortmund.
The Reds had been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old throughout the summer and were always thought to be facing competition from the Bundesliga club.
Now it would appear Jurgen Klopp’s former employers could be about to win the race and thwart the Anfield club.
This has come from a report from German outlet Sport Bild, as cited by LFC Transfer Room on Twitter.
Interest in Malen has intensified after the versatile forward enjoyed an impressive European Championships for the Netherlands.
That followed a breakthrough season in Holland when Malen made a total of 45 appearances for PSV last season, scoring 27 goals and adding another 10 assists.
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Albeit not quite one that got away just yet, it certainly looks to be heading that way.
Although we may never know how serious Liverpool were in their intentions to sign the Dutch star, losing out on any target is always a blow.
Equipped with a transfer windfall following the departure of Jadon Sancho, Dortmund should have no problem raising the additional funds to make the deal happen.
Capable of playing across the frontline, there is no denying Malen would’ve been a superb addition to the squad at Anfield.
Klopp could now be forced to look elsewhere perhaps at the likes of Pedro Neto, Raphinha, Adama Traore or Jeremy Doku – all of whom have been previously linked with the Reds.