Liverpool are reportedly preparing to up their efforts to secure a deal for one of their top summer transfer targets.
The current focus of Arne Slot and his squad is securing just the second Premier League crown in the club's history, as well as winning silverware in other competitions.
However, despite sitting six points clear of the chasing pack with a game in hand, Liverpool are also having to give serious thought to their strategy for the summer transfer window.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are all currently due to be out of contract, while the form of a minority of players will remain of concern.
According to TEAMtalk, club officials are ready to pull the trigger on an approach for one of their desired targets ahead of 2025-26.
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Hato on Liverpool radar?
The report alleges that consideration is being given to trying to wrap up a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato before the February 3 deadline for the winter window.
While that realistically remains unlikely due to Ajax's own desire to win trophies, it appears that the Dutch giants could be presented with an opportunity to cash in on the Netherlands international.
Rival interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea is provided as one reason why Liverpool officials may look to accelerate negotiations with their Ajax counterparts.
Ajax may allegedly be prepared to consider an offer in the region of €30m (£25.2m), despite their preference of the 18-year-old staying in Amsterdam for the time being.
Hato has already made 29 appearances for Ajax during 2024-25, taking him to 92 outings for the first team despite remaining as a teenager.
After last season's dismal Eredivisie campaign, Ajax sit four points adrift of leaders PSV Eindhoven in the table with a game in hand.
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What does Slot value in Hato?
Slot, no stranger to Hato after his time in charge of Feyenoord, is said to be an admirer of the starlet being able to feature at centre-back and left-back.
Extra competition on the flank may be valued due to the inconsistent form of Andrew Robertson and it remaining unclear whether Kostas Tsimikas is viewed as a long-term alternative to the Scotland international.
With Ibrahima Konate also having less than 18 months remaining on his contract, Liverpool may have to place extra priority on strengthening the middle of their backline.
Darren Plant
