Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has urged fellow Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt to snub Liverpool.
The Ajax defender is highly rated and has been linked with a host of top European clubs - including the Reds.
But Van Gaal, who recently retired from management, thinks the youngster should choose La Liga giants Barcelona or Liverpool's Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
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De Ligt featured for the Amsterdam club on Wednesday evening as they drew 1-1 with Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final.
The 19-year-old captained his side to a famous 4-1 destruction of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the round of 16.
But Van Gaal's reasoning is perhaps something of a complaint to Jurgen Klopp's current backline.
He believes that Barcelona or Manchester City would be better destinations for De Ligt - because their central defenders are "not too good".
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The Dutchman admitted: "If I had the chance I would go to Barcelona.
"They have central defenders who are not too good, so he will play there. Or I would go to Manchester City.
"I don't think the central defenders are that great either, so he'll play there too."
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De Ligt sent Liverpool fans into a transfer frenzy last month when he dropped hints at a potential Anfield switch.
The centre-half was asked about the possibility of linking up with compatriot Virgil van Dijk who he partners in defence for Holland.
In a video the Ajax academy graduate told Goal.com: "It could happen. He plays for Liverpool, a good club, but I’m not focused on them. I focus on Ajax and then I’ll see where I end up.
"Virgil is a player who has experience in the top leagues. Of course, you would want to learn from him. It’s very helpful playing alongside him in the Dutch team."
