Liverpool 'have made £51m approach for Valverde' that erez 'quickly rejected'

Liverpool have reportedly had a £51million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde thrown out by the Spanish giants.

Valverde is one of Madrid's most valuable assets after consecutive impressive seasons that have seen him nail down a key role within Carlo Ancelotti's side.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are wanting to overhaul their midfield and have reportedly made Valverde a transfer target after already bringing in Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp apparently likes what he has seen from Valverde, who was part of a Madrid side that knocked Liverpool out of last season's Champions League and beat them in the 2021/22 final, and has attempted to negotiate a transfer for the midfielder, according to El Nacional.

Liverpool reportedly tested Madrid's resolve to cash-in on the Uruguayan international by submitting a £51m offer that was quickly rejected.

The 24-year-old moved to the Spanish capital in 2018, joining Madrid's B team before quickly rising through their ranks and going on to become one of the world's best.

Madrid are attempting to build a midfield for the future, with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric nearing the end of their careers, and Valverde's importance has apparently seen club president Florentino Perez slap an £85m price tag on the player.

Liverpool's reported offer included a further splash on add-ons that would take their bid to near Perez's valuation, however Madrid want a fixed price at their set fee.

The Premier League outfit have been long-time admirers and apparently tried to lure him to England in the closing days of last summer's transfer market but were again rejected.

Valverde's future appears nailed down in the Spanish capital after he signed a contract extension two years ago that will keep him there until 2027 and includes an £856m release clause.

It also appears that the player wouldn't be keen to move to Anfield, admitting in March that 'if they want me out of Real Madrid, they will have to kill me.'

Leaving Los Blancos for Merseyside would also mean swapping Champions League football for the Europa League after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League standings last season.

Meanwhile, Madrid are expected to announce the arrival of former Liverpool target Jude Bellingham after the Englishman decided to leave Borussia Dortmund.