Liverpool are not in talks to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It was reported in the Spanish media earlier this week that the Reds had tabled an offer in the region of £60m for the Dutch international. However, Romano says that Jurgen Klopp’s side haven’t started negotiations and the player is expected to remain at the Camp Nou this summer:

“So far I have no news on Frenkie de Jong and Liverpool. There is no negotiation in progress as things stand and I have been repeating since July that nothing will change if Frenkie does not change his mind, that is, to stay at Barca. Liverpool’s salary structure also means this is not an easy deal.”

Romano goes even further by saying that Chelsea are the team likeliest to recruit de Jong if the 25-year-old has a change of heart about leaving Barca before deadline day:

“Let’s see if the player changes his mind, but my feeling is that it is Chelsea who are really pushing for him.”

This latest update will undoubtedly disappoint Liverpool supporters, but it is not entirely surprising. The reports in Spain were from less than reputable sources, and the numbers being bandied around looked to be well below the player’s asking price.

As Romano also points out, de Jong would also be demanding a sizeable salary, which is not something the Reds would accept considering the wage structure that they have in place.