Romano: Liverpool want to sign "fantastic" defender with 9 G/A this season

Liverpool are looking to establish their stranglehold over the Premier League title and could now swoop for one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool ready to pounce in summer window

The Reds are enjoying the view from the summit of English football and have more glory in their sights under Arne Slot following his excellent debut campaign in charge.

Even surrendering a two-goal lead at home to Arsenal over the weekend couldn’t dampen their spirits, and supporters are patiently counting down the days until they can witness the Premier League trophy being hoisted above Virgil Van Dijk’s head.

Once the celebrations have died down, Liverpool are set to be active in the market this summer and have plenty of names on their shortlist to bolster in key areas. Pouncing on a potential opening, the Reds are keeping informed on Rodrygo’s situation at Real Madrid amid Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior taking a fair share of the limelight at the Bernabau.

Athletic Club midfielder Mikel Jauregizar is wanted by Liverpool to add some steel in the engine room. Martin Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League champions earlier this year, but is now on his way to Arsenal from Real Sociedad.

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Divisional competitors will likely provide stiff opposition in the hunt for new targets, that is just the nature of show business as the Premier League title race begins to take shape next term. Nevertheless, Liverpool control the narrative currently in that regard, and they could now look to pip the chasing pack to the signature of one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

Romano: Liverpool firmly in the hunt to sign Jorrel Hato from Ajax

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are firmly in the running to sign Jorrel Hato as speculation continues to do the rounds surrounding his future.

He stated: “Let me start with Jorrel Hato, this talented defender from Ajax. For sure, he’s a player on the list of Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.

“So both clubs are monitoring the player, and for sure he’s on the list.”

Labelled “fantastic” by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, Hato has registered three goals and six assists in 48 appearances across all competitions this campaign. Defensively, he has shone in Ajax’s bid to claim the Eredivisie title over PSV Eindhoven, winning 4.1 duels per match in the Dutch top-flight.

Establishing themselves as a force in the transfer market, the Reds will hope they can convince the versatile Netherlands international to commit his future at Anfield, given his capability to play in the middle of a rearguard or at left-back, which could help phase out the legendary but ageing Andy Robertson.

Hato is unlikely to be the only centre-back pursued by Liverpool this summer either, amid their ongoing efforts to try and tie down Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen.