Toby Alderweireld
Toby Alderweireld is a long term target of Liverpool and is expected to leave Ajax this summer. [Reuters]

Liverpool may well be back in the running to sign Ajax's Toby Alderweireld after the defender's agent revealed that Bayer Leverkusen appear to have backed out of the race to sign the Belgian.

Alderweireld is expected to leave Dutch champions Ajax this summer as he has just one year remaining on his contract and the club are keen to cash in rather than lose him on a free transfer in 12 months.

German side Leverkusen were believed to be the favourites to sign the Belgium international after holding talks with the player's representatives.

"Bayer Leverkusen is the club who we are the furthest with in our discussions," the player's father Vic Alderweireld told Belgian paper Gazet van Antwerpen. "We will quickly meet the club again."

However, it appears that there has been a change of heart from the Leverkusen manager, and former Liverpool defender, Sami Hyypia.

"We have had no contact with Leverkusen for a week," Alderweireld's agent Soren Lerby told Kicker. "Apparently, it is not important for them at this time."

Should Leverkusen fail to follow up their interest then it could open the door for Liverpool who are still in the market for another centre back after the retirement of veteran defender Jamie Carragher.

Brendan Rodgers has already brought in Kolo Toure but it is believed that he would like a younger player to arrive that can compete for a first team place. The Reds boss still has question marks over Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates who both failed to impress last season.

Coates was handed very few first team opportunities, while Skrtel has been linked with a move to Napoli - where he would reunite with former boss Rafa Benitez - after losing his place to Carragher for much of 2013.

Alderweireld would certainly be a strong addition for Liverpool as the 24 year old has helped Ajax win three league titles and has a wealth of experience in the Champions League.

Should he move to Anfield then the talented centre-back would follow in the footsteps of fellow Belgians Thomas Vermaelen and Jan Vertonghen who both left Ajax in order to move to the Premier League.