Liverpool Set To Open Talks To Try And Hijack Man Utd’s Move For €28m Attacker

The January transfer window may be closed but that won’t stop the newspapers from speculating ahead of the summer so we’ll bring you all the news and gossip. Today, Liverpool are ready to hijack Man Utd’s move for Memphis Depay…

Liverpool are set to open talks with PSV in an attempt to try and hijack Manchester United’s move for €28m-rated attacker Memphis Depay, according to reports.

The 21-year-old has developed into one of the brightest young talents in Europe after enjoying a sensational season with PSV that’s seen him score 22 goals and provide 6 assists in 32 appearances so far this campaign.

His impressive form has attracted interest from Manchester United with Louis van Gaal reportedly making Depay one of his key transfer targets and is lining-up a €28m (£20m) move as he prepares to continue his rebuilding job at Old Trafford this summer.

However, it appears the Red Devils are now going to face stiff competition as the Express claim that Liverpool have now joined the race for his signature and are set to make formal enquiries over his availability.

The newspaper suggests that Liverpool have been scouting Depay for almost two years and have already held regular talks with the players agent, Alex Kroes, about a potential move to Anfield.

This could suggest that Liverpool are in pole position but they may still have a tough job persuading Depay to choose Merseyside over Old Trafford as the player holds a close relationship with van Gaal as they’ve worked together with the Dutch national team and a Dutch journalist, Hugo Borst, has likened their relationship to father and son.

Writing in his biography of van Gaal, Borst wrote:

“Another father has entered his [Depay’s] life, in the shape of national coach Louis van Gaal,”

“An ideal situation for Memphis and Louis too. A welcome outlet for his bottled-up paternal affections.” Borst is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

Depay also fuelled speculation over a move to United after ‘favouriting’ an article on Twitter last week which linked him with a move to Old Trafford.

PSV have already acknowledged that they won’t be able to keep hold of the attacking midfielder this summer with head coach Phillip Cocu recently saying:

“Of course Memphis will be sold, you can’t stop that, but it’s okay.

“It’s great you can build up a player like him, who breaks through, succeeds at PSV then leaves the club when he’s ready for a bigger step. That’s great.” Cocu is quoted as saying by the Mirror.

READ MORE –> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news

Depay is expected to be one of the hottest properties in the summer market and it looks as though both Liverpool and Man Utd are ready to battle it out over his signature, but due to his links with van Gaal you’d have to say United would be the favourites at this point.