Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is “being watched” by Liverpool ahead of a potential move to Anfield this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds will be searching long and hard for possible new signings at the end of the season, with long-term replacements for Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson needed.
Additions will be needed in various areas of the pitch, but centre-back and left-back must be positions of focus in the coming months.
Speaking on his YouTube channel [via Rousing The Kop], Romano claimed that Hato is a target for Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.
“What I am told is that Liverpool are already planning with their scouting department for at least two or three more missions in the Netherlands to follow Hato to understand what they want to do with the player.
“They have been scouting him for a long time and have followed his progress. So Hato is for sure one of the players that is being watched by Liverpool. Let’s see what Liverpool decide to do in the summer.”
A perfect summer option for Liverpool
Hato is arguably one of the most talented and exciting young defenders in Europe currently, so the idea of Liverpool beating other clubs to his signature is a mouthwatering prospect.
The biggest bonus with the Dutchman is that he is capable of excelling at both left-back and centre-back, meaning he could help fill both eventual voids left by Van Dijk and Robertson.
At just 18, Hato is already an influential figure for Ajax, starting 19 Eredivisie games this season and registering six assists in the competition, and analyst Ben Mattinson has heaped praise on him, saying:
