Liverpool have once again been linked with a mega-money move for Marco Asensio, according to reports in Spain.
The Spain international, 23, has seen his performance levels plateau during 2018-19, in a difficult season for Real Madrid .
Los Blancos have gone through three managers during the course of the season, with ex-boss Zinedine Zidane returning after the failures of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.
Under all three, Asensio has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot; in 42 appearances he has started 23 times, completing the full 90 minutes on just 11 occasions.
And while he has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2023 - with a €700million release clause - Mundo Deportivo reports that Jurgen Klopp will make a move for Asensio this summer.
The Reds, heading into the last day of the Premier League season still hoping to win a first title in 29 years, aren’t expected to make huge changes to their squad this summer.
But Klopp is ready to strengthen where necessary and one of the areas in which he is expected to add is in the forward department.
Rhian Brewster is expected to play a bigger part next term - with Daniel Sturridge set to depart, but Liverpool are still keen on a creative, versatile No.10 - having missed out on Nabil Fekir last summer.
In that regard, Asensio fits the bill.
But Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, a major advocate of Asensio ever since pinching him from under Barcelona's nose when taking the then-teenager from Mallorca for just €4million, again has no desire to sell.
Perez remains hopeful that Asensio can kick on next season and play a key role under Zidane, especially with Gareth Bale increasingly likely to leave.
The Welshman has been told he has no future under the Frenchman, but Madrid must find a buyer.
As such, regardless of whether Klopp is a fan of the player or not, a deal looks unlikely to be on the table any time soon.
DevSlayer7
86
I would sell Asensio and keep Brahim, Asensio won't reach World class status, not with his attitude and Lack of desire. But Brahim could. I'd also like to see Odegard play next season, why sell him to Ajax, for them to develop him into a world class player and then sell him off for big money. Sign Hazard, Eriksen and spend the rest on youngsters Leave Pogba where he is. And go for Ndombele or Van de Beek. Leave Icardi and go for Jovic or Gabriel Jesus. And if they sell odegard go for Sané from city or Depay. I'm tired of rumors of signing players like pjanic and selling Kroos, what sense does that make? Sell Keylor Navas and replace him with Donnaruma or Onana. Sign De Ligt as a long term successor for Sergio Ramos.
18075864(deleted)
59
Can anyone explain what Real Madrid is doing?
Kg4991
41
What is Real Madrid doing???? I think the problem is Perez Vs Zidane once again???? Zidane has his agenda and Perez has his too. Bale was not in the intention of Ancelotti. Even then Ancelotti was forced to buy Bale. He turned out to be a good player. Real never want a Galactico signing to be a good player. Real want them to be legend. Similar was the case of James Rodriguez, Kaka, as on it goes. Hazard and Pogba are in list of Zidane and Mbappe , Neymar, etc in lost of Perez This is going to be fun to watch.