Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a blow in the pursuit of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders.
The 26-year-old made serious waves on the continental stage earlier this week, scoring a goal during his side's 3-1 win over Champions League holders Real Madrid.
Focusing on Serie A matters, Reijnders has made a steady start to the 2024-25 campaign in the engine room, scoring one goal and providing one assist across nine league contests.
The midfielder has netted three goals during his first four Champions League matches of the term, including a game-winning brace versus Belgian giants Club Brugge on October 22.
Reijnders also possesses major international pedigree, having represented Netherlands on 19 occasions since 2023, including during Euro 2024 in Germany.
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Liverpool, Spurs dealt blow in Reijnders race?
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Premier League outfits Liverpool and Tottenham have suffered a serious blow in the pursuit of Reijnders.
The report claims that talks between the 26-year-old and AC Milan are progressing over a new deal to commit his long-term future to the Serie A challengers.
It is understood that Reijnders is currently happy at San Siro under tutelage of Paulo Fonseca, who joined from French club Lille over the summer.
The Rossoneri are supposedly delighted with the performances of the Dutchman so far this season and view the player as a major part of their plans.
Developments of blossoming contract talks will come as bad news to potential suitors such as Liverpool and Spurs, who reportedly joined the Reds in the race for Reijnders recently.
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Do Liverpool, Tottenham need Reijnders?
Sitting top of the Premier League standings after 10 matches, Liverpool are hardly in desperate need of reinforcements during the January transfer window.
There was serious concern during the summer when the Reds were unable to lure midfield target Martin Zubimendi to Anfield, however the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have stepped up under the leadership of Arne Slot.
On the other hand, it is arguable that Tottenham are yet to find a winning formula in their engine room, with natural winger Dejan Kulusevski being utilised in the middle of the park in recent matches.
As a result, Ange Postecoglou's troops would probably benefit from the acquisition of Reijnders greatly, however it is appearing increasingly unlikely that the Dutchman will complete a switch to England in the near future.
Carter White
