Exclusive: Liverpool given clear directive by selling club

Liverpool have been told by Ajax that they stand no chance of signing Dutch 'wonderkind' Ryan Gravenberch this summer.

That said, a source that has close relationships with several high-ranking agents and key figures in the Eredivisie has an update on the Reds' approach for Gravenberch.

We previously spoke with his father through an intermediary and he relayed a message which said that under no circumstances will his son leave Ajax Amsterdam this summer.

This has not changed but Liverpool have been told to come back next summer when the player will be 20 and ready to take the next step in his career.

The Dutch club has refused to agree to a premium fee now for next summer as they expect Gravenberch's value to continue to skyrocket beyond anything the Reds can offer.

Liverpool are currently playing a game of chicken with Atletico Madrid over Saul Niguez with the Reds not currently willing to increase their €40m plus add-ons bid for the Spaniard.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks over a swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann but it's not a done deal and there are some issues to be resolved before it can be completed.