Erik ten Hag may primarily have his sights set on acquiring an elite striker in the summer, but the Dutchman also has other irons in the fire.
Highly-rated Ajax defender Jurrien Timber was heavily fancied to follow his former boss to Manchester United last year before he eventually decided against a move to the Premier League. He is, however, set to be on the move this summer after revealing terms of an agreement with the Dutch giants.
Unsurprisingly, that has sparked the interest of several elite clubs. And while Ten Hag still harbours hopes of completing a belated deal for his compatriot, speculation has been rife that Liverpool could attempt to hijack any move after Timber's girlfriend was spotted house hunting in Merseyside earlier this month.
While it remains to be seen if Jurgen Klopp is actually in the market for another defender, with a midfield overhaul set to be his most pressing summer priority, Liverpool colossus Virgil van Dijk has already given Timber a glowing endorsement.
The Reds talisman is well aware of Timber's attributes after playing alongside him for the Netherlands national team - and was adamant back in September that his compatriot is already a better player than he was in his younger years.
"I wasn't nearly as far along as he is now (at the same age)," Van Dijk explained previously. "I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think."
If Liverpool do decide to launch a bid for Timber in the summer, then the Reds could sabotage another of Manchester United's transfer plans after pipping them to a deal for Cody Gakpo.
Join the debate! Who do you think will win the race for Timber in the summer? Let us know here.
The former PSV Eindhoven star was believed to be one of Ten Hag's top January transfer targets before the Reds swooped in to complete a deal over the Christmas period.
Despite reports claiming that Van Dijk was influential in persuading Gakpo to pick Liverpool ahead of Manchester United, the Reds defender insisted that while he did talk with the versatile forward about a move, his role was exaggerated.
Speaking back in January, Van Dijk said: "No that was over exaggerated [talk of him convincing Gakpo]. I spoke to him, I can only say good things because I’m here, enjoying my time. We’ve been very successful but the manager said it as well, if it was me it was an easy decision to make, I didn’t need convincing.
"If there was any questions, I answered them honestly. I'm glad he's here and [lets] get started started as quickly as possible."
