From Italy: Liverpool now considering big-money move to sign 'world class' powerhouse for Klopp

Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt, according to a report from Calciomercato. 

A product of the famed Ajax academy, he made a big-money move to Juventus in 2019 having flourished in the Dutch youth system and after 117 senior outings for the Eredivisie champions, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Signed for an initial £67.8m (Sky Sports), the towering Dutchman has since made 117 appearances for the Serie A giants and played an integral role in the team which lifted the top-flight title in 2019/20.

Amidst protracted contract renewal discussions, it now appears as though potential suitors are positioning themselves to strike, with the Reds not willing to be left behind…

As per Calciomercato, Liverpool ‘should not be overlooked’ as the 22-year-old attempts to resolve his future, with Chelsea also attentive.

It’s claimed that the 37-cap Netherlands ace – who took the captain’s armband for the national team in the absence of Virgil van Dijk – wants to lower his release clause to €80m (£69m), whilst Juventus are looking to place a €140m (£120m) clause on the head of one of their most prized assets.

The report stated that the Anfield club are ‘considering the idea’ of pairing Van Dijk with the man hailed as ‘world class’ by journalist Jerry Mancini after a standout display against Austria at Euro 2020, during which the Juventus centre-back made three clearances, won three ground duels and completed each of his 40 passes in a 7.40 Sofascore rated performance.

Already boasting a well-stocked central defensive department containing Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, adding De Ligt to the ranks would undoubtedly give Jurgen Klopp a huge