Bayern Munich and Liverpool are holding talks over Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, sources have confirmed to 90min.
Liverpool have been keen on Gravenberch all summer, and now talks between the clubs have officially started.
The Netherlands international only joined Bayern last summer form Ajax. But he struggled for game time and it soon became apparent that would not change under Thomas Tuchel, hired in March.
Tuchel has sanctioned Gravenberch’s exit as they look at other options and now Liverpool are in pole position to seal a deal for the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from rival clubs including Manchester United. Gravenberch previously played under United boss Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
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Bayern have made it clear to Liverpool that they want a permanent transfer and are seeking £20m, which is slightly more than they paid Ajax for him last summer. It is already seen as progress that the German champions have actually been willing to enter discussions.
The start of talks is firm confirmation from Liverpool’s end that they still want two midfielders to replace Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, both of whom moved to Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
Liverpool failed with high-profile bids to land Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, with both players opting for Chelsea, but they did manage to bring in Stuttgart’s Wataru Endo for £16m.
Gravenberch is the preferred option to fill that second gap in midfield and there is confidence at Anfield that they will be able to reach a deal before Friday’s transfer deadline.
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