Liverpool and Manchester United could be given their chance to sign Atlético Madrid’s Marcos Llorente, with the Spanish now potentially open to a sale.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say any offers ‘could be studied’ for the player as the Spanish side look to cover a hole in their finances.
They explain that following the failure to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages, Atlético need to make up €30m in their finances.
That’s been added to a €40m deficit from the summer, meaning the January window is being eyed up as one in which they can sell players and fix the problem.
Llorente is not on the list of players they would like to sell but offers ‘could also be studied’ for him as there has been a ‘drop in his performance’ and he is a saleable asset.
It’s believed several sides are ‘keeping an eye’ on his situation and Liverpool and Manchester United have both had him ‘on their agenda’ in recent seasons.
Liverpool in particular need to reinvent their midfield and were linked yesterday, with it claimed that Jurgen Klopp has asked the club’s owners to make a ‘financial effort’ for Llorente.
Manchester United, meanwhile, already spent big to sign Casemiro in the summer so they seem less likely to be in the race, but Mundo insist they were keen in the past and could be again now.
Llorente is currently valued at around €40m, so it remains to be seen if either side are willing to pay that, but it seems any bid will now be considered by Atlético regardless.
