“I think something could happen in the summer, after the European Championship,” Marco De Marchi reportedly told calciomercato.com.
De Jong is one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers, as scouts are scouring the country in search of the next Robin van Persie. The free-scoring 21-year-old has powered Twente back into the race for the Eredivisie (first division) title. His 20 goals in 23 league games have helped put his team in second place in the standings.
It is likely that de Jong will be called into the Netherlands’ squad for this summer’s European Championships, putting him in this year’s biggest shop window. Although clubs across the continent are scouting him, no team has lodged an official transfer bid with his club.
“I confirm that Liverpool like De Jong and not only them,” De Marchi said. “There are several English and German clubs who follow him, but no-one has made real steps with Twente. I can confirm that Luuk has a huge market in Italy, several clubs have called me to test the waters.”
It is believed that Twente wants a fee in the region of £10 million ($15.7 million) to release its prized asset from his contract. Most top teams can meet that price, but that number will rise if he performs well at Euro 2012.
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