Liverpool have been regularly scouting Ascoli’s Francesco Cassata who is on loan from Juventus, according to reports
According to Il Bianconero, Liverpool scouts have been closely monitoring Cassata’s progress and are expected to be present once more as Ascolio take on Novara Calcio over the weekend in the Serie B.
Liverpool had reportedly placed a bid of around €10 million for the Italian midfielder in January but were rebuffed by Juventus, who see the 19-year old starlet as a key player for the future. However, Il Bianconero claim this has not deterred the Reds and that they will continue to scout the player with a view to signing him in the summer.
Cassata joined Juventus after beginning his career with Empoli back in February in a deal reportedly worth €1.5 million. He was then loaned out to Ascoli at the beginning of the next season in order to allow him to progress.
Ascoli reportedly have an option to buy the player from Juventus permanently should they choose to, although Juventus have also inserted a buy-back clause in the terms of the loan agreement, probably in order to ensure he is not snapped up by their European rivals.
However, according to Il Bianconero, Cassata is considered one of the most promising prospects under 20 years of age in Italy and it seems unlikely that Juventus will allow him to leave permanently.
A pacy, hardworking, technically gifted player who is known for his long, driving runs with the ball, Cassata is also a fine passer of the ball and has both range and vision to back up his technical ability. He is also known for his versatility as he is comfortable on either wing and in central midfield.
The 19-year old has made 25 appearances for Ascoli so far – 1 of which has come as a substitute – and has picked up 1 goal in those appearances. However, his discipline has come under question as he has picked up a massive 16 yellow cards in those appearances.
Jurgen Klopp is known for signing and nurturing young players and given Cassata’s attributes, he definitely seems like a player who fits the profile. Given that Cassata’s contract runs out in 2018, the Reds still stand a chance of signing him this summer.
However, if Il Bianconero are to be believed, Juventus will be very reluctant to allow Cassata to leave permanently although this could change should Liverpool up their offer and Juve fear they could lose the player for free unless they accept it.
