Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, who has grown disgruntled with a lack of playing time being afforded.
According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool have set their sights on Real Madrid star Marco Asensio, who has found game-time hard to come by in recent times.
Asensio signed for Real Madrid from RCD Mallorca in the summer of 2015 soon after which he was sent out on loan to Espanyol. Following an impressive stint with the Catalan club, the 25-year-old was brought into the first-team fold at the Santiago Bernabeu and he soon established himself as one of the most promising young forwards in Europe.
However, injuries hit the Spanish international hard in recent times. Having returned from a long-term layoff last season, Asensio endured a difficult campaign in which he failed to make the most of the chances that came his way. This led to a lot of speculation surrounding his future in the summer transfer window.
Ultimately, though, Asensio ended up staying put at the club after discussions with new manager Carlo Ancelotti. However, the situation with regard to his game-time has not improved a great deal. While the 25-year-old did score a fine hat-trick in the win against former club Mallorca earlier this week, there is a sense of frustration over the lack of playing time coming his way.
This has piqued the interest of several clubs across Europe. Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is said to be plotting to bring him to current club AS Roma while there has also been interest from AC Milan. Now, Liverpool, too, have entered the race for the signing of the 25-year-old as per the report.
Liverpool’s interest in Asensio is not something new, with the Merseyside giants having been linked with a move for him during the summer as well. The Reds had a fairly quiet window this past summer, with Ibrahima Konate being the only player that they brought in. But, having lost Xherdan Shaqiri and the recent long-term injury to teenage prodigy Harvey Elliott warrants the signing of a new forward to provide cover and competition.
Someone like Asensio, who showed against Mallorca what he can offer when in form, would thus be a very handy signing in the present and the long-term for Jurgen Klopp & co. Whether the interest in the Spaniard does lead to a formal approach from Liverpool either in the January window or the summer remains to be seen.
