Liverpool ‘targeting’ £25m transfer as Arne Slot could target former club for bargain-basement deal

Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs interested in Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertuida – but face Premier League opposition from Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Newcastle United.

The Dutchman has enjoyed a successful spell under new Reds head coach Arne Slot, with the 23-year-old winning the Eredivisie and KNVB Cup alongside Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Geertruida is a versatile defender who can play centre-back and defensive midfielder, but is primarily a right-back.

After moving to Rotterdam in 2012, Geertruida graduated through the De Kuip academy system, but his future at the club remains uncertain as he enters the final 12 months of his current contract in the south of Holland.

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The defender was subject to interest from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig for a €32.5m (£27m) move, but the deal fell through. While he has remained at Feyenoord this season, he could leave the club in order for Slot’s former side to recoup a fee for his services, according to AD.

In their report, the Dutch media claimed that Geertruida could be available for a bargain price, believed to be lower than the failed move to Germany, but the defender is currently focusing on the upcoming European Championships in Germany, but a decision is being made to it is done after the tournament.

Speaking earlier this month, former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden tipped the new Reds boss to raid his former club for the highly-rated Dutchman. He told OLBG: “There are some players at Feyenoord who have had a good season.

“There are a few who could take the manager’s message to the team. But I also think you shouldn’t bring too many players you know from your club or your league.

“But there are probably three players that stand out a little bit as we get to the end of the season. Quentin Timber, a midfielder, who is the brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber.

“There is also Mats Wieffer, who is also a midfielder. Another guy is Lutsharel Geertruida, who is the captain of Feyenoord.

“He can actually play in three different positions, which means centre-back, right-back or as a holding midfielder. Geertruida would be the best player to sign from the current squad that Slot would consider bringing to Anfield .”