Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on Real Madrid attacking midfielder Marco Asensio, having already secured the services of Darwin Nunez from Benfica and Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen in what appears to be a squad re-build ahead of the 2022/23 season.

According to Spanish sports daily Diario AS, Liverpool have gotten in touch with Asensio’s entourage, informing them of Jurgen Klopp‘s interest in the 26-year-old playmaker.

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AS has also reported that Madrid are willing to sell the Spaniard for €40 million (£34.34 million), a decision likely influenced by the club’s recent acquisition of the French midfield duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga to bolster the squad.

With the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and Casemiro still starting games for Los Blancos, and the likes of Federico Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouaméni available, Asensio is unlikely to get the minutes he so desires.

According to AS, the 26-year-old is willing to make a move from Madrid, provided he is assured regular game time, something that may also not be guaranteed at Liverpool.

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Capable of playing both as an attacking midfielder and a winger, Asensio’s acquisition would indeed given Klopp some versatility, but Liverpool may not be willing to shell out €40 million for a player headed towards his 30s.

Indeed, if the club’s recent acquisitions say anything, it’s that club owners FSG are not willing to invest in ageing players: most of Liverpool’s recent big money signings have been players below 25.

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Further, Liverpool’s recent acquisitions of young talent, such as Fabio Carvalho and Ramsay, and the club’s willingness to give minutes to academy prospects such as Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott suggest more emphasis on nurturing young players than buying experienced ones for large sums.

If, however, Liverpool and Real Madrid can come to a compromise about Asensio’s price, a move way well be on the cards, with Klopp on the lookout for more creativity in midfield.