"Following me closely" - £45m rated forward confirms Liverpool were interested in him

Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma has confirmed that Liverpool were following him "closely".

Speaking to Voetbal Primeur, as quoted by Sport Witness, the forward said that he has been informed the Reds had been keeping an eye on him.

“I’m always as honest as possible about it: I’ve never had contact with clubs or anything like that during the season,” Danjuma said.

“I always know about my situation after the season; I don’t want to be involved in it at all during the season. But I have been informed that Liverpool were following me closely.

“I will never lie: I think it’s a bad quality if you’re not ambitious. And if a club came along that offered me a higher platform to play on sport-wise, I would always have to consider it.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

There have been a lot of reports confirming Liverpool's interest in Danjuma. Even before he joined Villarreal last summer, the Reds were one of the clubs battling it out to sign him from Bournemouth.

However, he chose to sign for Unai Emery's side, and it has worked out quite well for him. When he first signed for the Yellow Submarine, he was valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt.

After an impressive season helping Villarreal reach the Champions League semi-finals, Danjuma's value is now at £45 million.

David Ornstein of The Athletic reported earlier this year that Liverpool were one of the clubs interested in the Dutch international and he confirmed that there is a €75 million release clause that can be activated at any time.

Fabrizio Romano also confirmed that Liverpool 'really love' Danjuma. However, a transfer was not possible in the January transfer window.

With the signing of Luis Diaz in January, it seems like this deal is now off the table. However, if Sadio Mane leaves, then our interest in him could return.