Liverpool failed with move for Martin Odegaard last summer, claims former boss

Liverpool failed with a bid for Real Madrid youngster Martin Odegaard last summer, according to the Norwegian midfielder's former boss.

Odegaard, now 21, joined the Spanish giants when he was 16 but has struggled to break into the first team.

A spell on loan at Dutch side Vitesse last season reinvigorated his career before a similar move to Real Sociedad enhanced his prospects further.

And his boss at Vitesse, Leonid Slutsky, has claimed Liverpool were one of several clubs interested in Odegaard last summer.

"His time at Vitesse has been very important," the former Hull boss said.

"He became one of the best players in the Eredivisie and had many offers in his pocket. Not only from Real Sociedad, but also from Liverpool and Ajax.

"It is an honour to have had a share in Martin's growth as a footballer."

Slutsky also believes Odegaard is now ready to make a splash at the Bernabeu.

"It was a big challenge for me to kind of resurrect his career," he added.

"Martin, his agent and I reach an agreement quickly. He had to take a step forward because Vitesse were a stronger team than Heerenveen (his previous loan club).

"It's clear that Real Madrid will decide his future with him by the end of the season. Could he stay with Real Sociedad for another year? I don’t know.

"I’m sure that Odegaard is ready to play for Real Madrid now. When I saw him play for Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu I realised that he definitely has the quality to play for Real Madrid."