Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing former Arsenal attacker Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2024-25 season.
The Reds are currently in the United States for a pre-season tour, preparing for a new era under Dutch manager Arne Slot.
The 45-year-old former Feyenoord manager replaced Jurgen Klopp at the end of last season and is expected to use this trip to assess his current squad and identify areas that may need strengthening.
While Liverpool have seen the likes of Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara and Adrian depart in the offseason, they have yet to make a signing in the current transfer window.
However, there is still plenty of time for this situation to change before the September 2 transfer deadline, and a report this weekend suggests that they may be closing in on their first signing of the summer.
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Liverpool lining up move for Malen
According to the Liverpool Echo, Slot's side are lining up a move for the Dortmund forward, who recently returned from Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
The report adds that the Reds had enquired about the 25-year-old's availability earlier this summer but had taken a step back until after the European Championship.
However, with the continental competition now complete, it is understood that they have returned for the attacker and are preparing an official bid for his signature in the coming days.
CaughtOffside, meanwhile, suggest that Liverpool are likely to face competition to secure the Dutch international's signature, with Arsenal believed to be interested in re-signing the talented forward.
Malen came through the ranks at the Emirates Stadium before securing a transfer to Eredivisie giants PSV Eindhoven in 2018.
The outlet claims that Malen has a £40m release clause attached to his name, which both Premier League sides are contemplating triggering this summer.
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Malen prefers return to London over Anfield move
While Liverpool are believed to be the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old, who they see as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah, the report indicates that Malen would prefer a move back to London if both English clubs table offers.
The attacker's current deal with Dortmund runs until the summer of 2026, and the club are not actively looking to offload him in the current transfer window.
Malen featured in 27 Bundesliga matches for BVB last season, scoring 13 goals and setting up one. He was also a key player in their Champions League campaign last term, where they reached the final but were beaten by Real Madrid.
Additionally, he featured in four matches at the European Championship for the Netherlands and scored two goals, helping Oranje reach the semi-final of the competition.
The Yellow and Blacks forked out around £30m to sign the attacker from PSV in 2021, meaning if his release clause is met, the club would recoup the majority of their initial outlay.
Devesh Jaganath
