Liverpool are among the clubs being linked with a move for the highly rated Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld today.

The Belgian international has expressed his desire to progress his career by leaving the Dutch league, with his eye on either joining the Premier League or German Bundesliga.

Both the Independent and talkSPORT report Alderweireld may have caught the attention of Reds boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers is currently looking to rebuild his defence following the retirement of veteren defender Jamie Carragher at the end of the 2012/13 season.

The Northern Irishman has already added Ivorian international defender Kolo Toure to his squad on a free transfer from Manchester City.

The Independent say of Alderweireld:

Alderweireld is one of his country’s massed ranks of cultured, ball-playing central defenders and can also operate in a holding midfield role.

The 24-year-old told Dutch newspaper De Telegraf, “That is not my preference. England and Germany are the best leagues where I think I can take the next step.

“I have to go somewhere where I can play football a bit and where my style of play suits.

“On the other hand, I do not want to play for a team at the bottom of their league. I want to leave Ajax for a nice club, otherwise I’ll just stay in Amsterdam.”

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Alderweireld’s Ajax teammate, Christian Eriksen. The midfielder is also being watched by Borussia Dortmund.