Real Madrid 'talks' as new rival 'emerges'

Rodrygo to Liverpool transfer latest - Real Madrid 'talks' as new rival 'emerges'

Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Real Madrid over Rodrygo, joining Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign him

Rodrygo appears out-of-favour at Real Madrid (Image: Getty Images )

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Reds continue to be linked with the Brazil international this summer transfer window.

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New Madrid head coach, former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, barely played the forward during their Club World Cup campaign. Rodrygo started just a single match, their first group game, which they drew 1-1 with Al-Hilal.

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Despite assisting their only goal for Gonzalo Garcia, he made just two substitute appearances across their following five fixtures. His tournament ended without coming off the bench in their 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the semi-final stage.

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That comes after also hardly playing under Alonso's predecessor Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, albeit amid issues with illness and injuries. As such, there is inevitably speculation about the player's future; below is a round-up of the latest:

Liverpool 'interest'

According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool have formally expressed interest in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, although an official bid has yet to be submitted. This follows Liverpool's rejection of a £58.6 million offer from Bayern Munich for Diaz.

Liverpool are keen to retain the 28-year-old and reportedly won't consider any offers below £63m. Despite having two years remaining on his contract, Diaz has allegedly made it clear that he wishes to leave the club.

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However, any potential move for Rodrygo is only likely to come should Diaz depart.

Madrid 'talks'

The Brazilian division of ESPN earlier this month credited Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG with an interest in possibly doing a deal. They now add Bayern Munich and Liverpool to that list, confirming reporting from the Spanish sports newspaper AS.

The latter acknowledges that Madrid are yet to receive an offer for Rodrygo and adds that they value their player at almost €100 million (£87million). That valuation is around double what they paid Santos for the then-teenager six years ago.

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Rodrygo on Liverpool

Rodrygo has previously spoken about almost signing for Liverpool from Brazil in 2017. "We didn't close the deal because I didn't want to," he has explained. "I wanted to stay at Santos even though the offer was very good."

"The pathway they promised me would also have been very good for my career. I was going to finish my studies in England to prepare for European football. It had always been my dream to play in Europe.

"Everything was very good, but my desire spoke louder. I wanted to stay at Santos and make a bit of history at the club, and that's what happened: I was able to fulfil my dream of playing for Santos. But it's true, I almost went to Liverpool."

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