Liverpool Given Hope As Ajax Deny Dortmund Bid For Midfielder

Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars has denied that Borussia Dortmund have tabled an offer for Christian Eriksen.

Liverpool have long been linked with a move for the Danish international, but Dortmund's interest in the attacking midfielder has grown exponentially in recent weeks, heightened by their imminent loss of Mario Goetze.

But Brendan Rodgers hopes of snaring the 21-year-old are still alive, at least for the time being, after the Eredivisie champions denied reports suggesting a formal bid had been received.

"The Danish press publishes all kind of stories, but Dortmund have not made a formal offer for Eriksen," Overmars is quoted as saying in Voetbal Zone when quizzed on reports of a bid.

All signs suggest Ajax may cash in on their prized midfielder this summer. With just a year remaining on this current contract, the Amsterdam club could potentially lose the midfielder on a free transfer next summer, a situation that could force their hand should an attractive offer arrive in the coming months.

The imminent departure of Goetze, who will join Bayern Munich this summer, will leave Dortmund in need of a replacement capable of pulling the strings in the same vein as the highly rated German international.

Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu and Chelsea's Kevin de Bruyne have also been heavily linked with the role, but Eriksen remains relentlessly linked with his own move to the Westfalenstadion.

Although he has also spoke favourably of a move to Dortmund, Eriksen has previously admitted to being flattered by interest emanating from Anfield, and the talented midfielder has also been spoken highly of by his compatriot Daniel Agger who would relish the opportunity to link up with his fellow Dane at Liverpool.

"We want to play attacking football with the ball on the ground and that is exactly what Christian Eriksen is all about," the Liverpool centre half was recently quoted as saying in the Mail.

"That is the kind of player we need. It all depends on which team he plays for.

"If he plays for a team who want to keep the ball on the ground, then the answer is yes - due to his passing, his runs and his hard work."