Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne chased by Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool supporters have coveted Kevin De Bruyne for much of the past decade.

So when the transfer whispers hinted at possible Anfield interest in the player this week, the enthused reaction among some was understandable.

The suggestion the Reds had offered De Bruyne a chance to switch to Merseyside after his contract at Manchester City expires in the summer, though, was soon dismissed.

There's a reason City have opted not to extend the Belgian's stay at the Etihad despite his deserved legendary status at the club.

And, in any case, the commitment to Van Dijk and Salah means Liverpool will otherwise be looking to drive down the average age of the squad during their transfer business this summer.

It is required.

But by the rematch in February, the Reds were the older team by some distance with an average age of 27.93 compared to 25.11 with City already having moved during the January window to bring younger legs into their squad.

The youngest side selected by Arne Slot this season has been in the League Cup quarter-final at Southampton (24.72).

Arsenal have nine such players, Aston Villa 11, Manchester City 12 and Newcastle a whopping 14.

Liverpool began the season at Ipswich Town with an XI whose average age was 27.46.

At the start of the last title-winning campaign in 2019/20, it was 26.04.

Article continues below

The Reds, then, are keen to lower the average age of the squad during the forthcoming transfer window.
For more news relating to Manchester City, visit our sister site City Latest Live.