Liverpool suffer blow in pursuit of Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool target Ryan Gravenberch believes he will still be a Bayern Munich player next season.

The Dutch midfielder left his boyhood club Ajax to join Bayern last summer, but was limited to just three Bundesliga starts in his first season at the club after falling out of favour under Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

Gravenberch has admitted that he expected to play more, and Jurgen Klopp has given Liverpool the green light to pursue the 21-year-old as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

But the Reds' chances of landing Gravenberch have been dealt a blow after he claimed he has unfinished business in Germany.

'I assume I will still play here next season,' he told Algemeen Dagblad.

'That’s really how I feel. I’m at a top three club in the world. I find that beautiful and special. I won’t give that up just like that. My goal is still to succeed at Bayern.'

Gravenberch previously shone for Ajax, making over 100 appearances for the club before opting to move to the Bundesliga. He also has 11 caps for the Netherlands already, despite only turning 21 last month.

These numbers have caught Liverpool's attention, but they may have to focus on alternative targets after Gravenberch's latest statement on his future.

Liverpool have made one major signing so far this summer, completing a £35m deal for Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister.

They have also been linked with a host of other midfielders including Manu Kone, Khephren Thuram and Gabri Veiga after identifying this area of the side as a weakness last season.

Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia is another name on their shortlist, and the Reds have spoken to the Saints about a potential deal for the youngster who is valued at around £50m.