Rumour: Liverpool prepare £12m bid for Manchester United target Daley Blind

Liverpool have opened negotiations with Ajax over Netherlands left-back Daley Blind, according to the Metro.

Blind starred for the Netherlands in their opening World Cup game against defending champions Spain. He created two goals, the highlight being the great pass he played to set up Robin van Persie’s astonishing lofted header.

The 24-year-old is the son of Ajax legend Danny Blind, and he has made his way up through the ranks from the academy to the first-team. However, he is expected to leave the club this summer and Liverpool have now, reportedly, made an initial move towards bringing him to Anfield.

He has also been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United after the World Cup, where he could reunited with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal, but Blind has insisted that he will not be distracted by transfer talk during the tournament. Borussia Dortmund are believed to be monitoring Blind as well.

Blind normally plays as a left-back, but he’s a very versatile footballer, and is also capable of playing at centre-back or in midfield. He is valued at £12 million, but Ajax will hope to spark a bidding war between the interested parties.

Daley Blind played more key passes (36) than any other defender in the Eredivisie last season.