Liverpool transfer news: Netherlands left back Daley Blind a target for Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool have made an offer of £9.5m according to Dutch media

Liverpool have made a bid for Netherlands left back Daley Blind (Getty Images)

Liverpool are preparing a bid for Ajax and Netherlands left-back Daley Blind according to reports in the Dutch press.

Representatives of the Anfield club are thought to have been in touch with Ajax’s director of football Marc Overmars to start negotiations with an initial bid of €12.5m (£9.5m), according to De Telegraaf.

The 24-year-old, who can also play as a holding midfielder, impressed in the Netherlands’ 5-1 World Cup victory over Spain on Friday and is now thought to be top of Brendan Rodgers’ transfer wish list.

Blind has played 99 games for Ajax since graduating from their illustrious youth academy and claimed two assists in his nation’s win against Spain – including an impressive ball over the top for Robin van Persie’s crucial headed equaliser just before half-time.

However, it is thought the Reds will have to fight off interest from Manchester United and Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund in order to land the Dutchman’s signature.

The role of Louis van Gaal, who is coaching the Netherlands at the World Cup and is due to take over as United boss in July, could therefore be crucial if he can persuade the player to join him at Old Trafford instead of their local rivals.

Rodgers is said to be keen to bolster his options at left-back after Aly Cissokho failed to impress while on-loan last season when deputising for the injured Jose Enrique.

The Reds had previously been linked to Spain left-back Alberto Moreno although their interest in the Sevilla man is since said to have cooled.