Liverpool’s season went from bad to worse on Saturday as they were beaten 3-0 by Nottingham Forest.
Sean Dyche’s side were 19th in the Premier League table heading into the game, but goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White earned them an impressive victory.
The Reds, meanwhile, have now lost six of their last seven games in the league and sit 11th in the top flight standings.
The reigning Premier League champions now face a battle to qualify for the Champions League, and manager Arne Slot will be desperate to see his side end their dismal run as soon as possible.
In the meantime, it appears that the Merseyside outfit are facing threat from some of Europe’s biggest clubs in the race to sign a talented Dutch midfielder.
According to Fichajes, Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in Liverpool target Kees Smit.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been impressing for current side AZ Alkmaar this season, having joined the Dutch side as a youngster.
Smit has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs (Photo: Orange Pics BV/Alamy)
He has now made more than 50 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring four goals and registering six assists.
It is claimed that Liverpool have sent scouts to watch the teenager in action on several occasions this season, and the Merseyside outfit have been impressed by the youngster’s performances.
Liverpool are said to have been particularly impressed by Smit’s maturity, and the Dutchman has now emerged as one of the Reds’ top transfer priorities.
Smit is under contract at Alkmaar until the end of the 2027/28 season, but it appears that the Dutch side may face a tough battle to keep hold of the midfielder beyond next year as several top European clubs circle.