Arne Slot could add to Erik ten Hag woes with $75m Liverpool and Man Utd transfer battle

Manchester United’s superiority over Liverpool was certainly short-lived. After the Reds finished behind their biggest rivals last season, normality has been restored this campaign.

If anything, this season has served as a reminder of just how much Liverpool underperformed in the previous campaign. Having finished eight points behind United then, the Reds currently lie a massive 24 points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s side with two games to go.

Liverpool’s superiority on the pitch is clear, even if United fans can cling on to the fact the Reds have been unable to beat their side this season. As Arne Slot prepares to take over from Jürgen Klopp this summer, he could have the chance to really add to Ten Hag’s woes off the pitch.

READ MORE: The three Liverpool players who could win you your FPL mini-league as late differential picks

READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news as Raphinha 'contact made' amid interest in $65m playmaker

According to Spanish outlet Sport, both Liverpool and United are interested in RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Dani Olmo. The latter is said to be keeping tabs on the Spain international ahead of the bidding opening for his signature next month.

Liverpool though is said to have tracked Olmo’s development for some time, having sent scouts to watch him toward the end of last season. According to 90min, the Reds did their homework during a Leipzig game against Bayern Munich — the club went on to sign Dominik Szoboszlai not long after that.

Olmo is thought to hold a $75m (£60m/€70m) release clause, which should be well within Liverpool’s reach this summer. Should Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes pursue a deal, they could well continue the Reds’ superiority over United before a ball is even kicked in the new season.

Liverpool.com says: If it was a straight choice between Liverpool and United for Olmo, then the decision would surely be a no-brainer. The former is streets ahead of the latter, and it will take more than just the one signing to fix the multitude of problems at Old Trafford.

It’s anyone’s guess whether Ten Hag will even be in charge of United next season. He can salvage what has been a disastrous campaign in the FA Cup final at the end of the month, but Slot should be looking to put the final nails in United’s coffin should he get the chance to come up against his fellow Dutchman next season.