Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot has reportedly made direct contact with Netherlands' Euro 2024 star Jeremie Frimpong regarding a move to Anfield this summer.
Frimpong played a key role for Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen last season as they went on to secure both the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal titles.
Leverkusen became the first team to complete an entire Bundesliga season without defeat, and they also set a European record of 51 unbeaten games in a row across all competitions.
The 23-year-old scored nine goals and provided seven assists from right-back in 31 Bundesliga matches last season, and also chipped in with three goals in 10 Europa League appearances.
His impressive performances for Die Werkself have put him on the radar of several big clubs across Europe, including the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Slot steps up efforts to sign Frimpong this summer
According to German outlet SportBILD, Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to sign the talented full-back, with head coach Arne Slot reportedly making direct contact with the 23-year-old to discuss a possible move to Merseyside.
The Liverpool boss was in Germany to watch the Netherlands reach the quarter-final stage of Euro 2024, beating Romania 3-0 in the round of 16.
Despite having four years remaining on his contract with Leverkusen, the 23-year-old could be poised for a move away, given the significant interest in him.
It is understood that Frimpong may be permitted to depart Leverkusen this summer for a fee of around £34m.
The Bundesliga champions are reportedly interested in using the funds to acquire Mainz forward Brajan Gruda, who is also rumoured to be a target for Liverpool.
Frimpong signed a contract extension with Die Werkself in October last year that runs until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Liverpool set to face competition for Frimpong signature
While the Reds seem to have made their intentions on signing Frimpong clear, a move to Anfield for the in-demand defender is still far from guaranteed.
Champions League and La Liga winners Real Madrid have been closely monitoring the Dutch international as a potential long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, who turns 33 next January.
Barcelona had reportedly made an opening bid for the 23-year-old in June but it is understood that the offer did not meet Leverkusen's valuation of the player.
However, the Catalans may still return with a revised proposal in the coming days, with reports suggesting that the German outfit are interested in a potential move for Ansu Fati, making a swap deal a possibility.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are believed to have engaged in discussions with Frimpong's agent last month and are awaiting the conclusion of Euro 2024 to recommence discussions.
