Liverpool are in talks to sign one of the hottest defenders on the market, according to Guillem Balague.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily Podcast, the respected Spanish journalist said Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Ajax centre-back Matthijs de Ligt.

Balague expanded on those comments earlier today by saying De Ligt has made a shortlist of three teams he wants to sign for and they are awaiting his response.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Liverpool are all believed to be chasing the the 19-year-old’s signature.

The Dutch international was widely believed to have reached an agreement with Barca back in April but according to reports in Spain, the deal has broken down over wage demands.

The Reds hold some sway with De Ligt’s international team-mate Virgil van Dijk an attractive defensive partner for him at Anfield.

Balague says the Reds are definitely interested and have “been talking to him” about a potential move.