Liverpool join battle to sign Frenkie De Jong from Barcelona, Manchester United target AC Milan’s Rafael Leao

Liverpool join De Jong race Liverpool are ready to rival Manchester United for the signing of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong in the January transfer window, according to the Mirror. The Dutchman was linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer, but eventually ended up rejecting the Red Devils due to his ambitions to stay in Barcelona and play in the Champions League. However, De Jong has struggled to break into Barca’s starting eleven this season and there are question marks over his long-term future at the Camp Nou.

Manchester United are still hoping to convince him to join, but Liverpool will battle their domestic rivals for De Jong’s signature in a bid to improve their midfield options. Ad TransfersLiverpool to battle Chelsea for Leipzig striker Nkunku — Paper RoundYESTERDAY AT 21:38 Paper Round’s view: Liverpool’s midfield has been seen as a weakness this year. Jurgen Klopp’s side have suffered a few injuries during the early stages of the season, but there’s no doubt that it is slightly ageing.

Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara are all featuring regularly, while Klopp cannot rely on the fitness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. De Jong would be a player that can be part of a new midfield era at Anfield. If Liverpool sign De Jong and also manage to convince Jude Bellingham to join in the summer, it would give their midfield a complete redevelopment.

Read the full story Ten Hag wants Leao at Man Utd Manchester United sent scouts to watch AC Milan forward Rafael Leao against Chelsea in the Champions League, according to the Sun. Erik ten Hag is already preparing a transfer shortlist ahead of next summer and is reported to be a “huge fan” of the Portuguese international. Leao has just