Liverpool could sign £60m+ "great player" next year - it would embarrass Man United

One of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer saw United pursuing De Jong for much of the window.

The Dutchman was the primary transfer target of new United boss Erik ten Hag. It was reported the club had matched Barcelona's £64 million asking price for the player.

But De Jong himself was not keen, with a lack of Champions League football, and a desire to improve himself at Barca, cited as two main reasons behind his decision to stay in Spain.

The Red Devils did eventually sign a midfielder, with Casemiro joining the club from Real Madrid on August 22. But this came as their chances of signing De Jong dropped dramatically.

Now, United could be left embarrassed again, with a Premier League rival reportedly keen on securing the Dutchman's services.

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Liverpool are now a part of the race to sign De Jong on a permanent basis.

Barca are close to an exit from Europe's premier competition. Anything less than a win in their next group stage game against Bayern Munich, and a victory for Inter Milan against Viktoria Plzen, would see Xavi's side eliminated.

In addition, De Jong has not been an automatic starter this season. He has only started four of his eight La Liga appearances, completing 90 minutes on three occasions.

This has come as a surprise to some fans, especially given Xavi's comments back on August on De Jong's status (quotes via Goal): "He knows what I think, and what the club want and need. Of course I'm counting on him, he's a great player."