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Liverpool have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.
The 22-year-old, who was the subject of interest from Everton last summer, remains linked with a move to the Premier League after continuing to impress in Dutch football.
He has scored 18 goals and provided five assists in all competitions for Ajax this season, attracting the interest of several top clubs.
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In addition to Liverpool, both Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly keen to sign Kudus, who caught the eye for Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar.
He also attracted headlines prior to the tournament after declaring that he was "as good as Neymar".
"He's not better than me. He's just a higher profile player, that's all," Kudus told The Guardian.
Liverpool have potential Kudus advantage
Liverpool sent scouts to watch Kudus earlier this season and may have an advantage in signing the versatile attacking midfielder if there is a bidding war for his signature this season.
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That's because the club's current sporting director Julian Ward is set to move to Ajax at the end of the season.
Ward announced in November he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the campaign, just one year after replacing Michael Edwards.
He has now agreed to move into a similar role at Ajax and will officially start work on July 1.
Liverpool will hope their strong ties with Ward will help them in any future negotiations for Kudus.
What has Kudus said about his future?
Kudus has suggested he would be happy to remain at Ajax for another season, despite the reported interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.
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"I am very happy at Ajax at the moment, but I will be even happier if we win the double. Why wouldn't I want to renew? I play and develop well," Kudus told De Telegraaf.
"Now it's about negotiation and valuation. When the time is right, we'll see how it goes. But that will have to be conducted with my agent. I want to focus entirely on the title race."
Kudus also opened up about his failed move to Everton, claiming that Ajax's decision to block the move turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
"The fact that Ajax blocked a transfer to Everton last summer disappointed me," he added.
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"I thought it was time for a new chapter in my career, because I wasn't playing here. But the moment the transfer market closed, my full focus was back on Ajax. The only reason I wanted to leave before that was because of my reserve role.
"I eliminated that problem myself. Everton are not doing well in the Premier League, Ajax are in the title race and under John Heitinga I am a permanent fixture. I have a strong faith in God and he has made the positive decision for me not to let the transfer go through."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Ajax, Football, Premier League, Transfers