Liverpool and Man United receive major boost in pursuit of 3-time Champions League winning midfielder

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Marco Asensio, as reports have emerged that Real Madrid have a replacement ready to step in for the Spaniard.

Asensio’s current deal with Los Blancos expires next summer, meaning he will be free to begin negotiations with potential suitors in January. 

Despite featuring in 42 games and scoring 12 goals last season, the 26-year-old has been limited to a sporadic squad role under Carlo Ancelotti so far this term, largely being used rotationally or off the bench.

This lack of frequent game time has most likely contributed to his decision to reject any attempts the Spanish giants have made to renew his contract.

With Asensio’s future all but determined at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti has seemingly decided to not utilise the attacking midfielder, who has been given just 47 minutes on the pitch so far this season.

The La Liga Champions would appear resigned to losing their man and according to Football Espana, they are preparing for life without him.

The publication report that Real Madrid have identified Brahim Diaz, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, as their replacement for Asensio.

Diaz will step into the Real squad next season and fulfil Asensio’s role, when he returns from Italy.

This news will be encouraging for Liverpool, who have been heavily linked with the Spanish international in the past.

The Reds supposedly made a move for him in the summer window, when they were looking to strengthen their attacking midfield and forward options, but nothing came to fruition.

Now, they’ll feel they have a free run on the player and will hold out hopes of attaining him without having to pay a transfer fee in nine months time.

However, the Merseyside club will likely face competition for Asensio’s signature, with Manchester United and Arsenal also said to be interested.

Having lost Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi in the summer, and having essentially only replaced those three with just Darwin Nunez, Jurgen Klopp may feel he is light in forward areas.

Furthermore, with issues in midfield sustaining throughout the opening period of the new campaign, the German boss could be in the market for a player who can operate in both of these areas, something Asensio has done for the duration of his career.