Bookmakers have dramatically slashed the odds on Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt joining Liverpool this transfer window with his price tumbling from 20/1 to 4/1 in less than a day.
The newly crowned European champions are now reportedly among the frontrunners in the race to sign the hugely sought-after 19-year-old, with several reports suggesting Jürgen Klopp wants the club to prioritise signing him this summer.
Should the Reds beat their rivals to his signature it would see him link up with compatriot Virgil van Dijk in a formidable defensive pairing.
It previously appeared to be nailed on that the Dutchman would be following teammate Frenkie de Jong in joining Barcelona, but since then the odds have swung into Manchester United’s favour and now Liverpool’s.
Punters are none the wiser, with 33% of bets on Barcelona, 32% on Manchester United and 24% on Liverpool in the last 24 hours.
As short as 1/8 at one stage, Barcelona are still clear favourites to lure de Ligt away from Ajax, but have drifted to 6/4. Meanwhile, Manchester United have also drifted slightly to 5/2.
Oddschecker spokesperson Teague Calvin said: "The sleeping giant has now unquestionably awoken and Liverpool are now one of the most revered clubs in Europe.
"If they could capture the world's hottest defender to partner the imperious Virgil van Dijk, they could form the base for the Reds to dominate for the next decade."
