Liverpool are reportedly interested in Diego Llorente and intend to test Real Sociedad’s resolve with an opening offer of €25 million for the centre-back.

Spanish publication AS claim that Liverpool are looking to reinforce their central defence in the summer, with the Reds eyeing a summer move for Diego Llorente. The Real Sociedad centre-back is on the radar of the Premier League runners-up, who are looking to offer €25 million for the defender.

The report adds that Llorente has a release clause of €50 million embedded in his contract. But, Real Sociedad are aware that the suitors are unlikely to offer such an amount and are willing to listen to offers and even accept them, provided the offer(s) are lucrative.

Liverpool have had a wondrous 2018-19 campaign, despite finishing second in the Premier League. Their exploits in the UEFA Champions League, including the magnificent comeback against Barcelona, has seen them reach the final of the premier competition.

Virgil van Dijk has been one of the driving forces behind Liverpool’s success in the 2018-19 season. But, he has constantly seen his partner change, with Jurgen Klopp having to switch among Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez to fill the other spot in central defence. Towards the end of the season, Matip seems to have established himself alongside van Dijk.

Is Diego Llorente heading to the Premier League? (Picture Courtesy - AFP/Getty Images)
Is Diego Llorente heading to the Premier League? (Picture Courtesy – AFP/Getty Images)

But, the Liverpool manager still wants to bring in a central defender, with Klopp not content with the options at his disposal. Diego Llorente has thus, emerged as a target, with the report stating that the Reds have received glorious scouting reports with respect to the Real Sociedad centre-back.

The 25-year-old seems to be peaking now, with the player also becoming a part of the Spanish National Team. Llorente also has a glamorous background, with the player emerging from the Real Madrid youth setup. Technically adept and aerially powerful, Llorente could be the perfect fit alongside van Dijk.

It is unclear whether Real Sociedad will accept €25 million, the amount that has been reported to be what Liverpool intend to offer for the 25-year-old. But, with the La Liga outfit ready to negotiate below the release clause, there is unlikely to be much of a difference between the two teams’ valuation of Llorente.

Another driving factor would be the fact that the 25-year-old will be privy to Champions League football, should he join Liverpool in the summer, something Real Sociedad will not be able to provide for the 2018-19 campaign. A long road still, but the Reds might soon come in with a tangible offer.

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