Man Utd coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has already given his verdict on new $55m Liverpool 'target'

Eredivisie sensation Joey Veerman has already caught the attention of Manchester United coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, amidst rumors of fresh interest from their rivals Liverpool.

Liverpool is reportedly eager to bolster its midfield, with PSV's Veerman on their radar as manager Arne Slot looks towards his homeland for new talent. The Dutch dynamo, rumored to be worth $55m, is familiar to United's assistant Van Nistelrooy, having been coached by him during a single season in Eindhoven.

Last year's reports suggested that Erik Ten Hag had sent scouts back to the league he won thrice as Ajax's manager, with Veerman allegedly at the top of his wishlist. The Daily Express speculated this could lead to a potential face-off between the two bitter rivals if either decides to pursue the midfielder.

Alternative targets took precedence, and Veerman - who is contracted to PSV until 2026 - stayed put, continuing to hone his skills under the guidance of then-coach Van Nistelrooy. Like Ten Hag, the retired striker Van Nistelrooy has publicly expressed his admiration for the versatile Veerman, commending him during his time as head coach.

"Joey is taking very good steps," he told Voetbal International in 2023. "This is important for the development of a midfielder from a top club with aspirations for the Dutch national team. It's part of it and he has turned the switch, both physically and in the mindset."

A year earlier, Veerman had spoken highly of Van Nistelrooy, telling UEFA.com: "As a player, he [Van Nistelrooy] was one of the greatest strikers in the world. We can learn a lot from his experiences."

Despite internal issues leading to Van Nistelrooy's departure from PSV in 2023, after securing two domestic cups, their mutual respect makes a potential future collaboration plausible. Liverpool's search for a dynamic holding midfielder last summer led them to Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi, but their approach was rebuffed despite initial optimism.

Veerman could emerge as a viable backup option next summer if Liverpool continue their pursuit of new midfield talent. Nevertheless, his connections to certain individuals at Old Trafford mean the Reds cannot afford to become complacent in their efforts.