Liverpool ‘beat’ Manchester City to the signing of Dutch ‘phenomenon’ as he says ‘yes’ to Klopp.

According to rumours, Liverpool have beaten Premier League rivals Manchester City to the signing of Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven

The Reds are hoping to add a new defender during the summer transfer window in order to strengthen Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Following a dismal first two-thirds of the season, Klopp changed his tactics, resulting in Liverpool winning seven and drawing two of their last nine Premier League games.

Liverpool thrived with Trent Alexander-Arnold in a hybrid role, and Klopp is now looking to bring in a new left-sided central defender to further improve the system.

Goncalo Inacio of Sporting Lisbon, Jurrien Timber of Ajax, Levi Colwill of Chelsea, and Wolfsburg Van de Ven of Wolfsburg are among the centre-backs linked with a move to Liverpool.

And now, according to the Spanish newspaper Nacional, Liverpool ‘beat’ Man City ‘at auction’ for Van de Ven, who is hailed as a ‘phenomenon’ by the outlet.

The Netherlands under-21 international has been outstanding for Wolfsburg this season after joining the Bundesliga club from Dutch side Volendam in 2021.

Liverpool are willing to spend ’10 times’ what Wolfsburg paid Volendam for Van de Ven, according to Klopp.

The Liverpool manager is believed to be ‘amazed by the potential’ of the Dutchman, who has said ‘yes’ to joining Klopp at Anfield.

Man City has also been ‘immersed in the auction’ for the 22-year-old, but Liverpool and Klopp now have ‘the advantage’.

Tottenham and Newcastle are interested in Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, but former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes he “has the class to play for” the Reds or Chelsea.

“It’s difficult to say that any player from a relegated club would be good enough to make the huge jump to playing for one of the Premier League’s top six clubs,” Johnson told Betfred. West Ham United, I feel, would be ecstatic to sign a player like James Ward-Prowse.

“James Maddison is probably the only relegated club player with the class to play for a Chelsea or a Liverpool.” I doubt they’d be able to accomplish it on the cheap since he’s Leicester City’s finest asset and far too excellent to play in the Championship next season.”