Arsenal, Liverpool target Hakim Ziyech has release clause removed?

Arsenal and Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Ajax playmaker Hakim Ziyech.

Having helped the Dutch giants reach the Champions League semi-finals last season, Ziyech has been frequently linked with a number of clubs in the Premier League.

However, despite the 26-year-old having a relatively modest release clause of €30m (£26.71m), a transfer failed to materialise during the summer.

According to AS, Ajax have now moved to strengthen their position regarding the Morocco international's future by offering him an improved contract, in return for removing the release clause.

The report suggests that Ziyech has agreed to the fresh terms, which is likely to keep him tied to the club for a number of seasons.

Ziyech has already contributed five goals and four assists from nine outings in Eredivisie and the Champions League during the current campaign.