Liverpool Begin Transfer Talks With Marco Asensio As Potential Mane Replacement

 Liverpool have reportedly made contact with Real Madrid player Marco Asensio's entourage about the possibility of a summer transfer. 

According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, the Spain international has been touted as a possible signing for Liverpool given Sadio Mane's impending departure, and have let the player know. 

Real Madrid are open to selling, too, with Asensio who is in the final year of his contract now, this is the final year Real can get a fee for him.

However, it won’t be an easy one to make happen. The European champions value the player at around £34m, even with only one year left. That’s pretty much what Liverpool will get for Mané a far more reputable player. On top of that, Asensio wants about £5.5m per year, which isn’t easy to match.

Asensio will be seeking assurances over a first team role, in Madrid or England, and that will be the key factor in deciding a possible move.

Last season, Liverpool came within a whisker of completing an unprecedented quadruple, missing out on the Premier League title by a single point and losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid. 

Jurgen Klopp's side won the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup last season, and they have wasted no time in bolstering their squad this summer.

The first through the door was Fulham wonderkid Fabio Carvalho, who was followed by a possible club-record transfer for Benfica attacker Darwin Nunez. 

After a 34-goal season, which included two goals in the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, the Uruguayan international was in high demand this summer.

Our new 2️⃣7️⃣ has a special message for you, Reds 😁 pic.twitter.com/3FIpBC21Zc

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 15, 2022

Nunez, who can play in the middle and on the left side, is often regarded as a suitable substitute for Mane. Following the Reds' Champions League final defeat in Paris, the versatile forward notified the club of his choice to seek a new challenge.

Given Mane's impact over the last six seasons, Klopp's side will definitely be disappointed with his departure. 

The sale also signals the end of an era for Liverpool's legendary front three, with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah's futures on Merseyside also in doubt.