Liverpool are eyeing a sensational move for Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio, according to a report from Spanish outlet AS.
The lowdown: Illustrious career
Signed for just €3.7m (£3.2m) from Real Mallorca as a fledgling 18-year-old in 2014 (ESPN), the Spaniard has already written in name into the annals of history with Los Blancos.
Having been immediately loaned out to Espanyol, the attacker returned to the Bernabeu and has since directly contributed to 73 goals in 235 outings for the club, winning the Champions League and the La Liga title on three occasions each.
Now set to enter the final 12 months of his deal in the Spanish capital (Transfermarkt), Asensio could be about to embark on a future away from his homeland, and Merseyside could be calling...
The latest: Reds in the hunt
As per AS, Liverpool are said to have already made contact with the representatives of the 29-cap Spain international, who is valued at €40m (£34m) by Real Madrid.
It's claimed that Jurgen Klopp still 'seeks to fill the vacancy' left behind by Sadio Mane's imminent departure to Bayern Munich, and Asensio could be the man for the role.
AC Milan are also mentioned as potential suitors for the man whose 'extraordinary quality' was praised by his manager Carlo Ancelotti when questioned about the 26-year-old's contract.
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The verdict: No brainer
Even following the arrivals of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez this year to soften the blow of Mane's inevitable departure, signing Asensio would be a sensational piece of business from Liverpool this summer, especially at the mooted price.
Still holding a market value of £36m, the Spanish forward - who holds a stylistic likeness to such illustrious names as Riyad Mahrez, Son-Heung min and indeed Mane (FBRef) - would offer unmatched versatility to Klopp's ranks with his ability to play anywhere across the frontline and in deeper attacking midfield roles.
Last season, the cultured ace scored 12 times and provided two assists in 42 appearances as a reminder of his mercurial talents which once saw him tipped for Ballon d'Or success. He earned an outstanding 7.07 Sofascore rating whilst hitting the target with 1.1 shots, making one key pass and completing 0.9 successful dribbles per game in the process.
Although some reports have suggested that Liverpool's summer transfer activity could already be completed, Asensio's price tag, return to form and quality should make this potential swoop a no-brainer for FSG and Julian Ward.
In other news, a transfer expert has dropped a key Liverpool claim. Read more here.