Liverpool were unable to sign Dutch star Donyell Malen due to a lack of funds.

According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Reds did have a serious interest in Malen this summer.

However, they were unable to shift three fringe players from the first team squad.

The likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri look set to spend another season at the club.

No suitable offers arrived for either star, before Malen finalised a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Romano said during a Twitch stream that the 22-year-old did want to join Liverpool, but could not wait all summer for them to work out the financial aspect of the deal.