Liverpool could make £42 million move for winger who idolises Cristiano Ronaldo

Liverpool have been linked with Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino, and would have a bid between £34m and £42m accepted, according to reports.

The Spanish international has become a staple of the ‘Yellow Submarine’s’ side, scoring six goals in 31 outings in La Liga last campaign.

And according to AS, the Reds and Arsenal are set to tussle it out for the young winger, with Unai Emery expecting a €40-50m offer, which would equate to the above in pound sterling.

Arsenal are leading the race for him, however, with their interest likely more concrete than Jurgen Klopp’s side - who will be targeting a midfielder due to their injury problems in the position.

Pino has also spoken about idolising Liverpool’s rivals Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

As cited by Sport Witness, Pino said: “He won me over with his mentality and sacrifice. A player who might not be a pure talent, but who, based on work, perseverance and effort, gets to where he wants to.

“And then he comes from Madeira, an island like Gran Canaria. And looking at him, I also recognised myself in emigration, suffering, difficulties.

“For me, he was a point of reference for everything. Today, the thing that strikes me most about him is his intact ambition: he is 37 and continues to fight and work harder than anyone to keep winning.

“An example, I know that there are people who say that he affects the way a team plays. I reply that he is still one of the few able to carry that team on his shoulders and win a game alone.”

Pino is mainly a right winger - which would be useful for Liverpool due to the lack of real cover for Mohamed Salah - but can play on the left-hand side and as a shadow striker.

In the 2021-22 campaign, the four-time capped international directly contributed to 11 goals (7 goals and 4 assists) in all competitions.

And if he turns out anything like Cristiano, a £30-40m fee would be an absolute bargain.