Real Madrid threaten Liverpool deal for £80m midfielder

Now that Andoni Iraola has been officially announced, the Spaniard can get cracking on improving Liverpool's squad.

Three of their mainstays from the last few years have already left the club in Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.

Most people expected the first two players to explore pastures new but, nobody thought that Ibou would be leaving, especially on a free transfer.

In order to get Liverpool back in line, several new players will need to be signed which means that another hefty chunk of change may need to be spent.

Several players have already been linked with potential moves but now, Real Madrid may be about to rain on the Reds' parade as they are now also interested in signing one of their transfer targets.

Real Madrid have entered the race for Mateus Fernandes

Mateus Fernandes' future has been one of the most talked-about situations of the summer so far.

The Portugal international was recently relegated from the Premier League with West Ham United but, among a sea of poor performers, Fernandes was one of the ones who stood out.

Thanks to this, several clubs are vying for his transfer with Liverpool recently linked with a move for the 21-year-old.

Of all the clubs linked, it felt like the Reds were the most likely destination but now, Real Madrid have entered the race which could throw a massive spanner into the works.

"He [Jose Mourinho] has also drawn up a list of suggestions, and on it is the name of Mateus Fernandes , the Portuguese midfielder from West Ham, who was one of the sensations of the Premier League last season, despite his team's relegation," AS wrote.

"West Ham 's relegation facilitates a possible deal for the Portuguese midfielder, as does the clear and evident improvement in the relationship between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes , the player's agent, Jose Mourinho.

"Mateus Fernandes is also on the shortlist for Liverpool and Arsenal, with reports in England suggesting a starting price of £80 million.

"Mourinho wants him, and Real Madrid is already making moves to please the manager."

Liverpool need to add some fresh players into their midfield

Even though Liverpool's midfield is their most stacked area at the moment, it's clear that they need to introduce some fresh faces soon.

Alexis Mac Allister has forgotten how to run and Ryan Gravenberch has been a fraction of his former self over the last six months or so.

With the decline of both of these players in mind and the fact that Curtis Jones could still end up exiting in the near future, it's obvious that Liverpool need some new midfielders.

Without adding more players who have the work rate of Dominik Szoboszlai and even Jones, Iraola's system may not work which is why a deal for Fernandes makes plenty of sense.

There's not a lot that Liverpool can do about midfielders until they move one or two on but, the fact that Real Madrid are interested in one of their targets proves that they're on the right track.

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