Exclusive confirmed by Fabrizio Romano as Liverpool plan to sign €29million striker

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are in fact interested in signing Donyell Malen as Anfield Central reported on Thursday.

The Italian journalist hadn't previously covered interest in the Dutch striker as Liverpool look to find someone to come in to compete with Roberto Firmino for a starting role.

The Brazilian false nine wasn't at his usual influential best this season as he scored just 9 goals and got only 9 assists while Malen managed 27 goals and 10 assists for PSV.

It's worth mentioning that the standards in the Eredivisie aren't on the same level as the Premier League but the 22-year-old has backed up the hype with scintillating cameos at the EUROs for the Netherlands.

Anfield Central exclusive on Donyell Malen

On Thursday morning, after it was falsely claimed by several outlets that Sky Germany were reporting that Liverpool had opened talks to sign Malen, Anfield Central reached out to sources in Holland.

We learned that the claims were wide of the mark but we were told that talks are planned for after the EUROs for when Malen and the Netherlands have wrapped up their international commitments.

Malen is a target for Liverpool, that much is true, and while the club contacted PSV previously to enquire about his contractual situation and their willingness to sell, they are yet to open talks with the Eredivisie outfit.

Fabrizio Romano confirms interest in Malen

Speaking while on East India Comedy’s 4-4-Two podcast, Romano said that both Liverpool and Borrusia Dortmund are looking at 'Donny Malen.'

The Italian journalist explained: "Malen could be an opportunity as he's a centre forward but he could play also in the new attacking style at Borussia Dortmund.

"Also Liverpool have an interest in him."

Why Malen and how much would he cost?

As we reported on Thursday, signing Malen would cost around €29million (£25m) according to the last contact that Liverpool had with PSV which is believed to be 'some months ago.'

However, it's reasonable to assume that with the way he ended the season like a house on fire, his value could have increased in the eyes of the Dutch club.

Furthermore, he's looked impressive so far in the three games he's played at the EUROs.

He has started just once, featuring for a total of just 86 minutes but has two assists as Holland progress to the Last 16.

Should manager Frank de Boer give him another start over Wout Weghorst and he takes his opportunity with another fine performance, PSV Eindhoven will be licking their lips at the prospect of extracting further revenue from his sale.

Once again, as Anfield Central has been told, with the Dutch expected to reach the latter stages of the summer tournament, developments will not be forthcoming for some time.

If we do hear any more news, you'll naturally be the first to know.