Liverpool look in pole position to snatch young Dutch star Memphis Depay from under the noses of arch-rivals Manchester United.

£20million-rated PSV Eindhoven attacker Depay , who has been described by Southampton's Dutch boss Ronald Koeman as “the biggest talent in the Netherlands” starred for Holland in the World Cup in Brazil last summer under now-United boss Louis van Gaal.

The under-fire United manager believes he can win the race for Depay ’s signature. But Liverpool have done more homework than the Old Trafford giants .

Their scouts targeted the player more than two years ago and have been keeping a very close relationship with both him and his agent, Alex Kroes.

A delegation from Liverpool has visited PSV every month this season and spent a lot of time this week with Kroes, also watched the 21-year-old’s last game in his presence.

Tottenham have also asked to be informed when the bidding starts, but according to friends the player is keen to join Liverpool.