Aberdeen are holding firm in their valuation of Calvin Ramsay as Liverpool try to complete a deal for the right back.
The Anfield club had hoped a bid in the region of £4million would be enough to take the Dons defender to England but it is understood to be less than half of the Pittodrie club’s valuation.
The Dons are holding out for a deal which could potentially be worth up to £10million for the 18-year-old who has nine assists and one goal in his 39 appearances for the club.
This would include an initial payment of £5million with up to £5million in add-ons if Ramsay reaches certain milestones at the Anfield club.
Champions League finalists Liverpool’s focus has been on completing a deal for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
But with the Uruguayan nearing a £68million move to Anfield the Reds are now looking to complete their move for Ramsay.
Anfield is Ramsay’s preferred destination
Ramsay has been watched by several clubs in England and abroad this season but has expressed a desire to move to Anfield to work with Jurgen Klopp.
The German views Ramsay as an understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold but believes the young Don has the potential to challenge Alexander-Arnold for the right back berth at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold is the established first choice full back in Klopp’s side but Klopp is looking to strengthen the position to provide competition to the defender just as Kostas Tsimikas does for left back Andy Robertson.
Premier League newcomers Fulham are also believed to be keen on making Neco Williams move to Craven Cottage permanent after the Wales international impressed in the club’s promotion-winning season in the Championship while on loan from Liverpool.
Should Williams depart it would leave only Joe Gomez, who is viewed as a central defender, and veteran midfielder James Milner, who recently signed a one-year extension, as cover for Alexander-Arnold.
Dons under no pressure to sell
Aberdeen, however, are looking for much more than the reported £4million fee which has been reported.
Rangers received almost £12million following the sale of right back Nathan Patterson to Everton in January after turning down two previous bids from the Toffees for the Scotland right back.
While Patterson’s first team opportunities at Ibrox were limited due to captain James Tavernier Ramsay has been the first-choice full-back at Pittodrie.
It has become clear if Ramsay does depart it will only be for a club record transfer for Aberdeen and the highest deal for a Scottish teenager in Scottish football history.
But Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack has insisted the club is under no pressure to sell any player.
The Dons are open to agreeing an incentivised deal for Ramsay who has two years remaining on his existing deal at Pittodrie.
But it seems a proposal of £4million now with a potential £2million more in add-ons falls short of Aberdeen’s expectation.