Liverpool already know Ruud van Nistelrooy and Erik ten Hag’s view on 'new £42m target' - The Mirror

Manchester United duo Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy have both previously been linked with a move for one Euro 2024 star, who is gaining interest at Liverpool

Eredivisie star Joey Veerman has already piqued the interest of Manchester United duo Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy amid talk of new interest from rivals Liverpool.

The Reds are keen on strengthening their midfield, and PSV playmaker Veerman is reportedly on their radar as manager Arne Slot looks to his home country for recruits. The Dutch powerhouse, who is said to be valued at £42million, is no stranger to Red Devils assistant Van Nistelrooy after he was coached by his countryman during a single season together in Eindhoven.

Reports from last year hinted Ten Hag had sent scouts back to the league he clinched three times as Ajax's manager, with Veerman supposedly topping his list of targets. And the Daily Express explored how this may set the stage for a possible showdown between the two fierce rivals if either decides to make a move for the midfielder.

It was back in January 2023 when The Sun reported Ten Hag dispatched scouts to the Netherlands to keep tabs on several players, including Veerman. The United chief was on the hunt for new midfield talent at the time but has since beefed up his options with the signings of Mason Mount and more recently Manuel Ugarte, with the pair costing nearly £120m combined.

Other targets were prioritised, and Veerman - whose contract with PSV runs until 2026 - remained where he was and continued his development under then-boss Van Nistelrooy. Like Ten Hag, retired striker Van Nistelrooy has previously expressed admiration for the adaptable Veerman, praising him during his tenure as head coach.

"Joey is taking very good steps," he told Voetbal International in 2023. "This is important for the development of a midfielder from a top club with aspirations for the Dutch national team. It's part of it and he has turned the switch, both physically and in the mindset."

One year prior, Veerman had lavished praise on Van Nistelrooy telling UEFA.com: "As a player, he [Van Nistelrooy] was one of the greatest strikers in the world. We can learn a lot from his experiences."

Despite internal issues leading to Van Nistelrooy's departure from PSV in 2023 after clinching two domestic cups, their mutual respect makes a future collaboration believable. Liverpool's summer search for a dynamic holding midfielder pointed them towards Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi their approach was unceremoniously spurned despite initial high hopes.

Veerman could make for an adaptable back-up option next summer in the event Liverpool are still looking for new midfield talent. However, his connections to some of those at Old Trafford means the Reds can't afford to grow complacent in their efforts.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.