Asensio to Anfield?
There are few phrases guaranteed to cause more excitement on the transfer talk rumour mill than “crunch talks” and so Liverpool fans should feel their pulses quicken when they learn that is what Marco Asensio is set to have with Real Madrid once the World Cup is over.
According to Metro the Spain international, who has appeared as a substitute in two World Cup matches so far, wants to know where he stands with new Real boss Julen Lopetegui.
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Therefore the pair will “hold crunch talks” in July with the Real coach no doubt aware that Liverpool are circling.
Asensio signed a six-year contract with the European champions last September which, says Metro, includes a staggering £442m buyout clause. But having failed to nail down a regular place in Zinedine Zidane’s starting line-up last season, speculation has been growing that the 22-year-old attacking midfielder could be heading for the exit.
Liverpool have been consistently linked with the playmaker and when asked about the possibility of a move to Anfield, Asensio replied: “Liverpool? When the World Cup is over, we’ll talk about that sort of thing, now I’m focused on [World Cup] selection.”
Malcom still making his mind up
The Daily Star says that Liverpool have been “handed a boost” in their pursuit of Brazilian ace Malcom.
Currently plying his trade with French outfit Bordeaux, the Reds and Chelsea have been mooted as suitors but that was before rumours emerged indicating the winger was close to agreeing terms with Inter Milan.
But the 21-year-old’s agent, Fernando Garcia, has rubbished claims his client is on his way to Italy, saying: “There’s no deal at all with Inter.”
Asked if there could be, Garcia replied: “I’m definitely not able to state where my client’s future is going to be, at this time.”
According to the Star Malcom is “available at around £44m” and the paper says both Chelsea and Liverpool “have held talks with Garcia recently”.
Monchi: Alisson not ‘unsellable’
Liverpool and Real Madrid have also been given “encouragement” in their chase for Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker, the Daily Express reports.
The Brazilian World Cup stopper has been a top target for both Liverpool and Real and his club Roma admit he is not “unsellable”.
Roma sporting director Monchi said: “There’s no such thing anywhere in the world as an unsellable player. The perfect answer would be to say that he’s unsellable, but I can’t say that because such a player doesn’t exist.”
