Liverpool are seriously interested in Dutch sensation Memphis Depay and could beat Manchester United to his signing, according to Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan.
Van der Kraan told a talkSPORT’s Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show that the Merseysiders have sent scouts to watch the player perform at current club PSV Eindhoven almost every week this season, and hold serious interest in bringing the player to Anfield next season.
The youngster was part of Louis van Gaala s Netherlands side which enjoyed a relatively good World Cup, and it has been brought to the fore that the current United boss is interested in bringing the youngster to Old Trafford.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with the player since and there have been constant reports of an imminent summer bid looming. United apparently also made an approach to sign Depay, who is dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo, in the summer, but despite the club boarda s best efforts, Depay stayed put in Holland.
Because of Depay’s relationship with former Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, it seems likely that Manchester United will beat any competition to secure the player’s services. But speaking on the player and the interest of both clubs, van der Kraan said: a a People think Louis van Gaal will take him, but the fact that Liverpool scouts are in Eindhoven almost every week to watch the player signals to me that Liverpool are a strong contender for the boy, in case they lose one of their top forwards.”
PSV manager Phillip Cocu admitted some weeks ago that he expects Depay to leave the Eredivisie to move on to bigger things over the course of this summer.
He said: a At some point, it becomes clear that he (Depay) is ready for the next step. And yes, I think hea s going to leave PSV after this season.a
Depay operates as an attacker for PSV and has all the attributes of a winger. He is better suited on the left flank, but can switch positions anywhere in the attack. He is especially great for swift counterattacks as his pace as well as dribble help him greatly. He showed his versatality in the World Cup, often being deployed in the wing-back position when brought in the game by van Gaal. His defensive contribution is also pretty great as he regularly tracks back and helps out his teammates curb attacking threat of the opposition.
While it makes sense that Manchester United are considered the frontrunners for the player’s signature, Liverpool might act with ambition and beat them to his signing, especially if they lose Raheem Sterling in the summer. The Reds will also have plenty of money in their favour in that case as well. However, a lot will depend on Liverpool’s finish in the table this season and whether they land the Champions League berth or not.