Jadon Sancho's imminent arrival at Manchester United could have a knock-on effect on Liverpool's transfer plans this summer.
The signing saga that has gone on for over a year is finally set to come to a close as Borussia Dortmund and United are close to agreeing a deal for the England winger.
One of the reasons why the Bundesliga side have set a deadline for the Old Trafford club is so they have plenty of time to bring in a replacement if Sancho does leave.
And Dortmund have not wasted any time lining up his successor as they have identified PSV Eindhoven star Donyell Malen as their number one target.
Borussia Dortmund or Liverpool - Who will win the race for Donyell Malen? Comment below
Malen, who is attracting plenty of interest this summer, is the preferred candidate as they only want to invest a small chunk of the money from Sancho’s sale.
But BVB could face stiff competition for his signature as Liverpool are one of the many teams reportedly tracking the winger who is currently starring at Euro 2020.
In fact, the Anfield side are believed to be 'in talks' with Malen over a potential switch to Merseyside.
But if the Sancho to Man Utd deal does get over the finish line sooner rather than later, it could have major implications on Liverpool's pursuit of Malen.
Sancho's absence means Dortmund can offer the 22-year-old a direct path into the first team, instead of playing behind the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The highly-rated forward scored 19 goals and registered eight assists in 32 Eredivisie matches last season.
He has also carried that form over to the international stage with the Netherlands this summer as he has assisted two goals in three matches at the Euros.
Malen is valued at around £34m, a significant rise from the £540k fee PSV paid Arsenal for the winger back in 2017.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp looks set to add attacking reinforcements in this window as Mane and Salah will be away on Africa Cup of Nations duty midway through next season.
