Liverpool are plotting a move to sign Villarreal starlet Alex Baena, according to reports in Spain - but could face strong competition.
Baena has had an outstanding season so far for the Yellow Submarine in midfield, netting nine goals in all competitions.
Four of those goals have come in the Europa Conference League, helping his side to top their group with four wins out of six.
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He has also netted on four occasions in La Liga, out of a total of 15 goals scored by Villarreal this term.
Baena has progressed steadily up the ranks in Spain, netting five goals and providing six assists for Girona during their successful promotion season in the Segunda Division.
The 21-year-old also showcased his tough tackling on numerous occasions, picking up an incredible 18 yellow cards and one red card in his 42 appearances. He has continued that trend this term, with 10 bookings in 20 games in all competitions.
Now, it appears Baena is on the radar of several Premier League clubs - including Liverpool.
Liverpool keen on Alex Baena
Back in September, Spanish outlet Sport claimed that Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City were all tracking the midfielder.
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His contract, which currently expires in the summer of 2025, contains a €35 million release clause, which was seen as appealing to four of the Premier League's biggest clubs.
But despite reports that Villarreal wanted to agree a new deal with Baena to increase his release clause, Fichajes now claim that has not yet happened.
They say that City and Liverpool are now at the forefront of any battle to sign the 21-year-old, who was successfully integrated into the Villarreal first team during Aston Villa boss Unai Emery's spell in charge of the club.
A goalscoring midfielder such as Baena would be perfect for the Reds, who have had injury problems in the midfield department this term, and currently lack a first-team player with such a profile,
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Should they be serious in their ambitions to land Baena, they may need to do so quickly to avoid an increase on the player's current release clause.
Topics: Liverpool, Villarreal, Transfers, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Spain