Liverpool would 'cause absolute meltdown' with deal to sign £72m star at Anfield

Liverpool could ’cause an absolute meltdown’ by making a ‘late offer’ to lure Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to Anfield, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Reds equalled the Premier League’s biggest victory by sealing a 9-0 triumph over Bournemouth on Saturday, but boss Jurgen Klopp may strengthen his squad ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

According to the Mirror, Liverpool are interested in signing Barcelona star de Jong before the summer window slams shut.

The report suggests Klopp, who broke the Reds’ transfer record by sanctioning the £85million arrival of Darwin Nunez in June, has performed a massive U-turn and admitted he is looking to welcome a new central midfielder to Merseyside.

Arch-rivals Manchester United have been chasing de Jong for a number of months and even agreed a deal worth close to £72million with Barcelona, but the move failed to come to fruition.

Chelsea have reportedly come close to striking a deal for the 25-year-old as well, so it is clear that he is in-demand.

However, it is understood that de Jong is keen to remain with Barcelona and his agent is in talks with the La Liga giants over the restructuring of his contract.

Jones believes there is a possibility that Liverpool will head to the negotiating table in a bid to sign de Jong in the coming days.

The journalist feels luring the Dutchman to Anfield would cause bedlam at Old Trafford, thanks to Manchester United’s lengthy pursuit.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “There have been a few whispers that Liverpool might make a late offer on de Jong as part of fixing their midfield problems.

“That would be an absolutely sensational story if they were to swoop now and take de Jong off United. It’d cause an absolute meltdown.

“I’ll be