Liverpool: The first six fixtures of the new Premier League season
Netherlands international Donyell Malen is a transfer target for Liverpool this summer according to reports, and talks between the two parties have been opened. The PSV attacker enjoyed a sparkling season in the Eredivise and has carried that form into Euro 2020.
Malen featured in the Dutch side’s 3-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday, laying on an assist for Memphis Depay.
And the 22-year-old’s display cemented Liverpool’s interest after a season that saw him score 27 goals for PSV in the Dutch top-flight.
The forward is expected to cost in the region of £34million, the same fee as Liverpool paid for Mohamed Salah from Roma in 2017.
Sky Sport Germany say Liverpool have opened talks about a deal to bring Malen, who has been compared to Salah, in this summer.
And his signature would be the first attacking signing of the summer for Liverpool, with Michael Edwards and the club’s transfer specialists instead focusing on strengthening defence after an injury-hit season at the back.
Donyell Malen has carried his club form into Euro 2020 (Image: GETTY)
Liverpool are also on the hunt for central midfield options after Gini Wijnaldum’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain.
But adding goals to the Liverpool attack could be particularly important ahead of the upcoming season, with Jurgen Klopp set to lose the services of both Salah and Sadio Mane to the Africa Cup of Nations during the campaign.
However, Liverpool should have Salah available for the start of the season after it emerged that the club have turned down Egypt’s request for the forward to play in the Tokyo Olympics.
"We contacted Liverpool to allow Salah to join the Olympic team, and they said they were waiting for the approval of the technical staff,” the Egyptian FA’s president Ahmed Megahed said.
"But in the end, Liverpool refused the request because they do not want to lose the player at the beginning of the season, as well as next January with the Africa Cup of Nations, which will keep him from participating in the English Premier League matches."
Liverpool's transfer records (Image: REACH PLC)
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Liverpool have already been busy strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign, confirming the signing of talented youngster Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig earlier this month.