Liverpool considering bid for "extraordinary" Spaniard in January

Liverpool could make a move to sign Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio in January after having tracked him this summer, according to Diario AS.

The Reds were on the hunt for reinforcements in their forward line after letting go of squad players Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi to Monaco and AC Milan respectively.

The departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich was another huge loss, and the trio of attacking players were only replaced by one incoming in Darwin Nunez.

This leaves Jurgen Klopp with just Nunez, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Luiz Diaz and Diogo Jota as his senior options in the front three.

Thus, the German and the Liverpool hierarchy were tracking a number of forwards who could also operate in a midfield three. One of these targets was Marco Asensio. 

The 26-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his current deal with the Spanish giants, and has become surplus to requirements under Carlo Ancelotti. 

Despite scoring an impressive 12 goals last season and being dubbed 'extraordinary' by Ancelotti, the Spaniard has been given just 17 minutes on the pitch so far this term and it’s understood that Los Blancos would be willing to listen to offers for the player in the January window.

Given his contractual situation, Asensio could be available this winter for a significantly reduced price, and it’s believed that Liverpool will revisit the situation.

The Merseyside club’s squad has been stretched at the start of this campaign and as a result, Klopp’s side have experienced inconsistent results, having won just two of their opening six Premier League matches.

The Reds were also thrashed 4-1 by Napoli in their opening Champions League fixture, so reinforcing the resources at Klopp’s disposal in January may be a smart move.

Asensio’s versatility means he can slot into a midfield three- an area where Liverpool have been depleted so far- while he can also provide cover and competition for the likes of Salah and Diaz.