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Liverpool are set to step up their interest in Jeremie Frimpong(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool will trigger Jeremie Frimpong's £30million release clause to make the former Manchester City youngster their first summer signing with the Anfield hierarchy poised to approach Bayer Leverkusen imminently.

Frimpong, 24, has emerged as the standout candidate to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold next season with the Reds right-back poised to complete a free transfer to Real Madrid.

The Leverkusen star has enjoyed a stellar campaign under former Kop favourite Xavi Alonso and is one of a number of their stars attracting transfer interest.

The opportunity to move to the Premier League is understood to appeal to Frimpong, whose camp have already held talks over personal terms with Liverpool.

And a new report from The Times has now confirmed that Liverpool intend to formally trigger the release clause written into Frimpong's contract as they make an early move in the market.

It's said that Frimpong's versatility - the Leverkusen man has been deployed as a right wing-back by Alonso while the Netherlands have played him as a right winger on occasions - and the low cost of any deal due to the star's release clause has made Frimpong the standout option to compete with Conor Bradley for Alexander-Arnold's spot next season.

READ MORE:Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal make Gyokeres offer, Man Utd enter 'advanced talks', Frimpong to Liverpool twistREAD MORE:'Arne Slot could be tempted to re-sign Trent Alexander-Arnold under these circumstances'

He has five goals and 12 assists to his name this term and also starred in the Leverkusen side that went the entire Bundesliga campaign unbeaten to win the German title last year, where he chalked up a staggering 26 goal contributions.

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Liverpool also hold an interest in Frimpong's team-mate, Florian Wirtz, and contact has been made contact with the attacking midfielder's representatives for if the Germany star decides to pursue a move abroad this summer.

Frimpong arrived at Leverkusen in 2021 after two years at Celtic.

He will be classed as a homegrown player after spending 10 years in the Manchester City academy set-up.

Frimpong has been a star performer for Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso(Image: Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)

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Alexander-Arnold was booed in his first Liverpool appearance after confirming he would be leaving the club but Arne Slot insists he will be available for selection in the Reds' final two games of the season.

Speaking on Sunday, the Dutchman explained: “I don't think there's any possibility whatever can happen that can take the edge of us winning this 20th league title.

The thing I consider is I want to win a game of football and if we think we can win with Trent, I owe it to his team-mates and to the fans, because they (Liverpool) hired me to win as many games of football as possible.

Frimpong will replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is Real Madrid-bound(Image: Clive Rose)

“And if I think there's a better chance of winning with Trent, then I will (pick him).

If I think it's a distraction or whatever can happen for us not to play a good game of football, then I might, might, might make another decision.

“But I think Trent showed today why I brought him in because he was very close with a few fantastic crosses for us to win the game.”

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