Liverpool contact Real Madrid over move for Federico Valverde and have 'submitted an offer'

Liverpool have made contact with Real Madrid over an ambitious move for Federico Valverde, according to reports in Spain, although president Florentino Perez has already responded.

Valverde, who notched 12 goals in 56 appearances for Los Blancos last season, will be battling for first-team minutes in the coming months as Jude Bellingham looks set to arrive from Borussia Dortmund.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are coming towards the end of their careers at 33 and 37 respectively, but Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and a resurgent Dani Ceballos will provide serious competition in midfield.

Valverde could well be part of a Madrid team that dominates Europe for years to come, although Premier League side Liverpool are said to be interested in his services, according to reports in Spain.

In fact, Jurgen Klopp's side have already made a €60 million [£51.5m] offer for the Uruguay international, claim Spanish publication El Nacional.

The report also claims Europa League-bound Liverpool would increase their bid to €80 million plus €20 in variables but Los Blancos president Florentino Perez has made his stance clear on a transfer.

Perez says negotiating for anything less than €100 million fixed will not be considered, and talks over a sale will not proceed if the offer doesn't exceed that amount.

Klopp has been tracking Valverde for some time, according to El Nacional, and believes they need 'a shake up and a leap in quality' after a poor campaign in all competitions last season.

Valverde recently spoke about his future after attending the Copa Libertadores clash between River Plate and Fluminense.

"I'm a River fan, but I'm a fan of Penarol," he told ESPN. "It's my club in Uruguay. Before River, Penarol comes first. It will always be my first choice, although right now I'm enjoying being at Madrid, then we'll see."

Back in March this year, he expressed his commitment to the Spanish club by saying: "If they want me out of Real Madrid, they will have to kill me”.

Fede Valverde on his future: “If they want me out of Real Madrid… they will have to kill me”. ⚪️🇺🇾 #RealMadrid

Valverde’s departure was not a topic, not even when English clubs approached him two years ago. pic.twitter.com/YhjRqU4Hn4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 10, 2023

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