De Bruyne not the answer as Liverpool look to lower the average age of their squad

LIVERPOOL supporters have coveted Kevin De Bruyne for much of the past decade.

- By IAN DOYLE

So when the transfer whispers hinted at possible Anfield interest in the player this week, the enthused reaction among some was understandable.

The suggestion the Reds had offered De Bruyne a chance to switch to Merseyside after his contract at Manchester City expires in the summer, though, was soon dismissed.

There's a reason City have opted not to extend the Belgian's stay at the Etihad despite his deserved legendary status at the club.

Even the very best things have to come to an end at some point, and injuries have most certainly caught up with the attacking midfielder in recent years.

And while Liverpool have long progressed beyond willingly taking on the cast-offs no matter how great they have been at their peak of their nearest rivals, there's another contributory factor to the Reds thus far not being tempted into trying to lure the boyhood fan to Anfield.

De Bruyne will be 34 next month and is believed to be the highest-paid player in the Premier League at present.