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Liverpool legend’s dream signing is being blocked by one Reds player
LIVERPOOL will not pursue a move for Matthijs de Ligt because they already have an impressive young defender in Joe Gomez.
That is the verdict of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol.
Nicol has once again reiterated he would love to see De Ligt become a Reds player.
De Ligt had a stunning campaign for Ajax last season both domestically and in Europe.
The 19-year-old is now one of the most sought after defenders in Europe.
Go get your £80m that you want and get De Ligt
Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Manchester United have all shown strong interest in the Dutchman.
But Nicol cannot see Liverpool adding to the list of admirers because of Gomez.
Gomez had a fine start to last season before breaking his leg in the win at Burnley in December.
Asked which area Liverpool need to strengthen, Nicol told ESPN FC: “Centre-back, no question.
“De Ligt. Go get your £80m that you want and get De Ligt.
“He’s already playing beside Van Dijk with the national team.
“You talk about the perfect partner for Van Dijk, I think.
“That would be De Ligt, definitely. Well it would be [an upgrade].
“Maybe why there’s been no talk about them strengthening in there is maybe because Gomez, before he got injured, was playing very well.
“Albeit it was a short period of time, so he’s not confirmed that that’s going to be his place at Liverpool.
“So maybe they’re thinking that he can step in there and play beside [Virgil] Van Dijk.”