Manchester United revive interest in signing 23-year-old midfielder wanted by Liverpool: Reports

Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in roping in Benfica star Orkun Kokcu, who has lately attracted interest from Liverpool.

Kokcu, who was linked with Manchester United in 2023, has cemented himself as one of the best midfielders in Portugal since joining Benfica in a £26 million move. The 23-year-old Turkey international has helped his current club lift one trophy so far, making 58 appearances.

Now, according to Caught Offside, Manchester United are interested in adding the former Feyenoord man to their ranks in the future. They are set to face competition from arch-rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Kokcu, who has a £125 million release clause in his contract, is expected to leave Benfica soon. Should he personally push for a move away from Benfica, he could be sold for between £50 million and £58 million.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are thought to be in a strong position to sign the Manchester United target. Kokcu could decide to reunite with his former manager Arne Slot at the Merseyside outfit, who are financially capable of convincing Benfica to offload their right-footed midfielder.

Ex-Manchester United ace says Liverpool star is 'one reason' why Reds are title challengers

Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister has asserted that Virgil van Dijk is a key reason behind Liverpool's ongoing Premier League title charge. He opined (h/t Football365):

"Virgil van Dijk had that cruciate ligament injury [in October 2020] which certainly looked a struggle for him in his first season back and I wondered whether he'd ever been the same player again. That said, I think he's back to his very best now like he was in those first two years for Liverpool when he was outstanding."

Showering special praise on the Dutchman, Pallister concluded:

"He's up there in the list of the greatest centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen. When you look players like Tony Adams, John Terry and Vincent Kompany, they're the markers, so Van Dijk is certainly in the conversation. I hate to say it, but he looks back to his best in a very strong team and I think he's one reason why they're looking like a Premier League-winning side again."

Van Dijk, 33, has been performing at a world-class level for his side this campaign. He has played every single minute in the Premier League so far, bagging one goal and providing one assist in 11 appearances.

The former Southampton and Celtic centre-back will next be in action for the Reds in their league clash at Southampton on Sunday (November 24).