The 24-year-old Ajax defender has opened the door to a switch to Brendan Rodgers’ side at the end of the season, but has ruled out joining a “mid-table” team such as Newcastle

Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has spoken of his willingness to join Liverpool this summer, but dismissed a possible move to “mid-table” Newcastle.

The Belgium international has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Brendan Rodgers and Alan Pardew reportedly courting the 24-year-old in recent seasons.

And Alderweireld says he is open to leaving the Amsterdam ArenA, but only for a club competing at the top of the England top flight.

“I do not want to play in an English club in mid-table. Unlike Newcastle, Liverpool meets my criteria,” he told reporters.

Rodgers is expected to sign a new centre-back in the summer with veteran Jamie Carragher set to retire and out-of-favour Martin Skrtel thought to be edging closer to the Anfield exit door.

Alderweireld has shined for Ajax this season, stepping up following the departure of former club captain Jan Vertonghen to Tottenham to make 36 appearances and notch three goals.