Liverpool identified as ‘main bidder’ for Real Madrid star and target ‘happy’ with interest

Liverpool are the ‘main bidder’ for Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio according to reports in Spain.

The 26-year-old has made over 220 appearances since joining Los Blancos from Mallorca in 2014 for €3.9m.

According to Sport, the Real player is for sale and Liverpool are amongst ‘an important group of European clubs’ interested in Asensio, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Arsenal.

The Spanish site claims the Reds would have to fork out between €50-60m if they wanted to sign the winger this summer, who ‘does not want to continue’ at Real if there is ‘no salary increase’ in his contract.

Asensio is known for playing predominantly on the right-wing, cutting inside on his left foot and trying to trouble opposition defences, similar to that of Mohamed Salah.

Elsewhere, Antony has said he is glad to hear of Liverpool’s interest in him, but is currently ‘happy’ at Ajax.

As per 90min, the Reds are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer due to the way ‘he has settled in Europe and his subsequent progress’.

However, the Brazilian, who joined the Dutch side from Sao Paulo in 2020, has now addressed links to Anfield, stating he hopes to play in the ‘beautiful’ Premier League and La Liga, but isn’t thinking about leaving Ajax just yet.

“Premier League and La Liga are the leagues I find beautiful,” Antony told De Telegraaf this week.

“When the time is right, I hope to play there.”

And now he has told ABola he is content with life in Amsterdam.

“I am happy to be recognised like this,” the winger said.

“But there are other excellent players here. At the moment, I don’t think about transfers or values, I’m happy here.”

The 22-year-old has featured 27 times in all competitions for Ajax this season, scoring 11 goals and assisting his teammates on nine occasions.