Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Reds Must Restart Pursuit of Toby Alderweireld

Even with a bunch of incoming transfers already completed, Liverpool will continue to look for ways to improve going into next season. One potential addition that could enhance the team is Toby Alderweireld.

The Ajax defender has been impressive in his young career, usually playing centre-back for the Dutch club as well as the Belgian national team. Despite his success with his current club, however, he has stated that he wants to move on in his career.

According to Ben Curtis of Mirror Football, Alderweireld said this in June about a potential move:

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England and Germany are the best leagues where I think I can take the next step. I have to go somewhere where I can play football a bit and where my style of play suits. On the other hand, I do not want to play for a team at the bottom of their league. I want to leave Ajax for a nice club.

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While Liverpool have not been among the top teams in the English Premier League over the past few years, they are also not at the bottom. Also, the club is set to return to the Top Four before long with a solid group of young players.

This allowed the Merseyside club to remain in contention for the young player's services. However, that transfer appeared no longer possible when a Sky Sports report back in June claimed he was on the brink of joining German club Bayer Leverkusen. 

That is until recently, when a series of events put Liverpool back into the picture. According to Gary Jones of the Daily Star:

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Liverpool are in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, following the Dutch team being given permission by FC Utrecht to talk to potential replacement Mike van der Hoorn. Alderweireld has been heavily linked with the Reds since May, with a bid in the region of £8m thought to be enough to prise him away from Holland.

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The report also states that Bayer Leverkusen have cooled their interest. 

Ajax will have their replacement for Alderweireld, and Liverpool can swoop in to grab the talented young player. At £8 million, the club should do what it takes to finish this deal.

Even though the squad already signed Kolo Toure on a free transfer to play centre-back next season, the 32-year-old veteran is nearing the end of his career and is already on the decline. 

On the other hand, Alderweireld is just entering his prime and is a better fit on this young club. As the rest of the roster improves over the next few years, the Belgian could be a centerpiece for a contender in the EPL.

Liverpool have the money and will face little competition going forward for the defender's services. Considering he has stated in the past that he is willing to come to England, the deal should be completed sooner rather than later.

This is a great opportunity for the Anfield club, and the Reds must make sure they do not allow the talented player to get away. 

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