Liverpool are hopeful of winning the race to sign highly rated Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg.
The 17-year-old, who plays for his hometown side PEC Zwolle in the Eredivisie, has attracted interest from across Europe despite playing just 15 top flight appearances last season.
Liverpool feel that Van den Berg has similar potential to that shown by Joe Gomez when they signed him as an 18-year-old.
Michael Edwards (sporting director), Dave Fallows (head of scouting and recruitment) and Barry Hunter (chief scout) are of the belief that the Netherlands Under-19 international would be a major coup if they can bring him to Anfield.
But these credentials have not gone unnoticed by rival suitors.
Bayern Munich are still interested, along with Dutch giants Ajax and PSV. Italian side Sampdoria, who were unsuccessful with a €2.5million last January, are also still keen on the player.
Bayern’s interest in particular is reason for Liverpool to remain cautious, while Ajax would present an attractive option and a pathway through to the first team with Matthijs de Ligt expected to leave this summer.
