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Liverpool want to clinch a £22million double deal for Ajax stars Christian Eriksen and Toby Alderweireld while Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand is also on their radar.

Attacking midfielder Eriksen, 21 and Belgium international defender Alderweireld, 24, both only have one year remaining on their Ajax contracts and are expected to leave the Dutch club.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has turned to £15m-rated Eriksen after missing out on Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who snubbed Liverpool to join Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund had also been chasing Eriksen, but Liverpool now only expect to face competition from Roma.

The Denmark international has been one of Europe’s outstanding young talents in recent seasons. Two summers ago he was on the brink of joining Manchester City but a­misunderstanding over a ­proposed meeting with then manager Roberto Mancini scuppered the deal.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer said: “I would want nothing more than having Christian with us for a few more years.

“But we realise that the interest in this kind of player is huge. And I can also understand that he wants to make another step in his career. I can’t stop him.”

Despite the fact Liverpool cannot offer Eriksen Champions League ­football, it is understood he is interested in moving to Anfield.

De Boer added: “If ­Liverpool go back to really good possession play, it can be a success for Christian. But it does mean that their entire way of playing has to change. It is up to Christian what he wants. If he feels good going to ­Liverpool anyway, then it is up to him.”

(Image: Mike Hewitt)

Alderweireld has turned down the chance to discuss personal terms with Norwich after the Dutch giants agreed a £7m deal for the centre-back with the Carrow Road club.

He explained why he would not be rushed into a move to Norwich – leaving the door open for Liverpool.

“I am keeping all my ­options open,” said ­Alderweireld. “I am not rushing out the door. The whole picture of my next club has to be perfect. With every offer I am ­receiving this summer, I look at the pros and cons. The total package of my next club has to be right for me.”

(Image: Reuters)

Liverpool have also made an enquiry about left-back Bertrand as Rodgers attempts to build a squad capable of challenging for the top four.

Rodgers’ interest in Bertrand, ­however, gives Chelsea bait if the London club decide to pursue interest in wantaway striker Luis Suarez.

The interest in the defender is ­particularly intriguing, as, along with Arsenal, Chelsea have tried to find out whether Suarez would be interested in moving within the Premier League.

Rodgers knows Bertrand well, ­having worked with him during his time at Chelsea and taken him on loan as his first signing at Reading.

Suarez had previously claimed he wanted to quit England, but last week revised that slightly by informing Liverpool he still wanted to join a Champions League club.