Liverpool closing in on Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech

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Bengaluru, August 8: Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech and reports claim that the Reds have sent their representatives to Amsterdam in order to complete the signing before the weekend when they plat away to Watford in their season opener.

Dutch-born but representing Morocco at the international level, and at just 24 years of age, Ziyech has established himself as a key player for Ajax in just his first season at the Amsterdam Arena.

As a technically gifted and elusive attacking midfielder, Ziyech racked up nine goals in the 2016-17 Eredivisie campaign and also contributed with a couple of goals in Ajax's Europa League journey to the final.

Ziyech was one of the best players in Europa League last season, but could not help his side beat Manchester United in the final. He, however, has done enough to impress Jurgen Klopp who is looking to bring him to Anfield to strengthen his midfield.

Liverpool have experienced a tough transfer window this summer as they have so far failed to lure their key targets Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita.

Especially after the Van Dijk saga, they are extra careful about their approaches and even the journalists close to the club don't have a clue about what is going on behind the scenes.

With Adam Lallana expected to be unavailable for the critical early months of the season, it's possible that Ziyech is intended to operate in the role of the Englishman. He could also represent a Plan B for Liverpool, now that the Keïta deal is all but buried, though he is completely a different player to Keita.

Liverpool have maintained their strong stance on Philippe Coutinho's transfer links and are desperate to keep hold of the Brazilian despite Barcelona rumours, but Ziyech could be an insurance option if the inevitable move does happen.