Diego Llorente linked with Liverpool – Matthijs de Ligt latest

Real Sociedad centre-back Diego Llorente is reportedly attracting interest from Liverpool. Reports today claim that Liverpool along with neighbours Everton are considering moves for the 25-year-old.

Llorente apparently has a £44million release clause in his contract but the suggestions are that he could be allowed to leave for less. Reports in Spain claim that Reds’ boss Jürgen Klopp is preparing an offer of around half that amount in the hope of securing a deal over the summer.

Liverpool have spent months doing groundwork on a possible deal for Ajax skipper Matthijs de Ligt but as we’ve maintained for some time, the player’s controversial agent Mini Raiola could scupper things. His relationship with Liverpool officials isn’t the best and he is reportedly trying to push his client in the direction of Barcelona. There are also suggestions today on the KopTalk Members’ website that Raiola has made it known to Liverpool via 3rd parties who are assisting him, that he is looking to pocket a £10million fee for making something happen, this despite him currently being banned.

De Ligt is remains a primary target but Liverpool are looking at alternative options to boost their options in the heart of the defence. Llorente is one suggestion but we expect to see other names thrown into the hat over the coming weeks.

<<– Buy football club shares online in minutes –>>

The player himself claims he won’t be motivated by money and that he will make a decision based only on what’s best for his career.

De Ligt commented: “My decision will be based on what would be best for my career.

“Where can I develop myself the best way? Where do I get to play the most? I will base my choice on that.

“I don’t know when I will make my decision but I prefer to start pre-season with my new club, or Ajax. As long as I have a contract at Ajax, there’s definitely a chance I will stay.”

Asked if Barcelona would be “a dream move” and he replied: “No. I don’t have a dream club apart from Ajax.

“The only dream I had was to play for Ajax. I know there is a lot of interest but I don’t rule out staying.”

• KopTalk.TV (free) was updated today to touch on Liverpool’s interest in Matthijs de Ligt