European giant panicking as Liverpool interest in €80m defender intensifies
Despite winning the Premier League 12 months ago, Liverpool are now a team in transition.
The Reds spent over £400 million last summer but things have not gone to plan and Richard Hughes and Co are expected to be busy once again in the upcoming window.
A deal has already been announced that will see Jeremy Jacquet link up with Arne Slot’s squad once the window opens but Liverpool’s business won’t stop there.
More defensive reinforcements could be on the cards, with the futures of Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez uncertain, and interest from Liverpool has sent one European giant into a panic.
Liverpool to step up interest in €80m defender
A whole host of defenders have been linked with a Merseyside move recently as Liverpool look to bolster their current options but also plan for the future.
Virgil van Dijk is set to enter the final year of his contract in June and, as he's approaching 35-years-old, it seems unlikely that the Dutchman will extend his stay at Anfield beyond next season.
One of the names that will excite Reds the most is Atletico Madrid’s Marc Pubill, who has proven himself to be one of Europe’s most capable defenders this season.
Links have persisted for a while between the Spaniard and the Premier League champions, and now a report from Spain have shed some light on the situation.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool’s interest in the 22-year-old has led to panic at Atletico and the Spanish giants are now scrambling to tie Pubill down to a new deal.
The defender’s current contract includes an €80 million (~£70m) release clause which the Spanish club feel won’t be sufficient to fend off interest from Slot’s side.
Pubill wasn’t a guaranteed starter at the beginning of the season but has become an important figure in the Spanish capital since the start of December, and Atleti have big plans for him.
Liverpool’s interest seems advanced enough to have Atletico Madrid worried, but if they can secure a new deal for Pubill then the Reds will have to look elsewhere.
Related News
Real Madrid turmoil giftwraps world-class midfielder for Liverpool
