14 May 2023 , 12:36
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John Barnes claims he has heard that Virgil van Dijk has 'told' Jurrien Timber to snub Manchester United and join him at Liverpool - just as he did with Cody Gakpo.
Timber, 21, has enjoyed another impressive season with Ajax in the Eredivisie and has once again been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League.
The defender turned down the opportunity to follow Erik ten Hag to Old Trafford last summer, but that hasn't deterred the Dutchman, who could launch another swoop for his compatriot once the current campaign concludes. Liverpool are also admirers of Timber, though, and could rival United for his signature in the coming months.
If Jurgen Klopp does attempt to lure Timber to Anfield, then the German will once again go head-to-head with Ten Hag. Both Liverpool and Manchester United were keen on snapping up Gakpo at the turn of the year, but it was Liverpool who won the race for the coveted forward.
Van Dijk was credited with a key role in the transfer - and Barnes believes the defender could repeat that trick when it comes to Timber. He told Soccer News : “Of course, I know that he played together with Van Dijk in the Dutch national team and according to the latest rumours Van Dijk has told him that he has to go to Anfield.
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“He is a good player and would therefore be a good asset to Liverpool. Virgil is already over 30 and he will not stay with the club forever. So in the long term, it’s not just about coming to the Reds to form a duo with Van Dijk.
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Timber has been linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United (Getty Images)“Liverpool also just needs to look for a new defender for the future. And in that respect, Timber would of course be a fantastic option if we manage to capture him.”
Timber has already revealed that he struck an agreement with Ajax 12 months ago which enables him to leave Amsterdam this summer if a suitable proposal is tabled for his services.
Speaking earlier this month, he told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf : “A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax. Last year Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract.
“As a club boy, I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation. At the Dutch national team, I often talk to boys who play football abroad. I want to take that step someday. But when that is, you will eventually hear and it will happen in consultation with Ajax. I’m still here anyway and I’m in no hurry. The focus is now on the cup final and the remainder of the competition.”