Klopp makes ‘personal request’ for ‘El Mosquito’ as Man Utd ‘reserve No.7 shirt’ in €50m Liverpool battle

Liverpool and Manchester United are both reportedly keen on Ousmane Dembele, who is ‘closer to packing his bags than staying’ at Barcelona.

Dembele – who moved to Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £130m in the summer of 2017 – could be on his way out of the Nou Camp this summer as negotiations over an extension continue.

Nacional claim the France international ‘continues to make things very difficult for Barca’ having ‘dedicated himself to rejecting all the proposals that have been presented to him’.

His current deal expires in 12 months and he is currently ‘assessing the options he has on the table’.

Barcelona boss Xavi has taken it upon himself to talk to ‘El Mosquito’ personally to convince him not to leave but ‘has achieved absolutely nothing’, with ‘everything wide open’.

The report claims he is ‘closer to packing his bags than staying’ as he wants a higher salary than Barcelona are likely to offer given their financial difficulties.

And it’s claimed both Liverpool and Manchester United are ‘incredibly interested’ in taking advantage of his ‘ridiculous’ €50m release clause.

Dembele is said to be a ‘personal request of Jurgen Klopp’ and Manchester United have also ‘appeared’ as Erik ten Hag ‘looks for new reinforcements for the offensive plot’, with Jadon Sancho, Antony and Anthony Martial unable to ‘convince’ the Dutch boss.

United have ‘reserved the No.7’ shirt – vacated by Cristiano Ronaldo – for Dembele.

That’s two shirts they’ve got reserved, with Nacional also claimed they’re keeping No.10 for Vinicius Junior.

Vinicius has ‘received astronomical offers’ he ‘must decide whether to negotiate or close the door’ on his time at Real Madrid.

Vinicius is under contract until 2024 and there is currently ‘no agreement to renew’, with ‘three admirers’ are reportedly willing to sign him.

If United have both the No.7 and No.10 shirts reserved, which jerseys will Neymar and Lionel Messi wear?