By David Lynch, Merseyside Correspondent

21st Jun, 2023 | 12:35pm

Sources: Liverpool make Timber signing decision after £30m Arsenal offer

Liverpool have elected not to rival Arsenal for the signature of Jurrien Timber this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Gunners are currently locked in talks with Ajax over a move for the 22-year-old after seeing an initial £30million bid rejected.

It is thought the Dutch giants are ready to hold out for a figure closer to £51m in order to let the defender go.

However, any hopes of a bidding war ensuing courtesy of reported Liverpool interest look set to be dashed.

Football Insider understands that, contrary to consistent links, the Reds have no plans to make a move for Timber this summer.

It is instead expected they will look elsewhere as they seek to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s backline.

Liverpool’s current priority is on strengthening a midfield that was the source of many of their problems during a forgettable 2022-23 campaign.

That process began with the £35m addition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, which was sealed earlier this month.

And it is expected to continue as they work down a shortlist that, as Football Insider revealed two weeks ago (June 19), features both Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach among others.

Once that area is addressed, Klopp is likely to turn his attentions to adding defenders to his squad.

Timber recently hinted that his future is likely to lie away from Ajax, whose academy he joined at the age of 13.

He told De Telegraaf: “A transfer is getting closer and closer, so to speak. There is a lot of concrete interest and I have made agreements with Ajax.

“Last year, Ajax asked me to stay for at least one more season and to extend my contract. As a club boy I did that with love and after the season we will review the situation.”

In other news, Liverpool are facing competition for a Premier League rival for a key midfield target.