Villarreal's Alex Baena has started the La Liga season in fine form and now the youngster is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
The left-sided forward spent last season on loan at Girona - who are part of the City Football Group - playing all 38 games and scoring five times along the way as the Catalonia outfit won promotion back to the top flight through the Segunda Division play-offs.
But it is Baena's displays for Villarreal this term that has teams interested. The Spain Under-21 international has scored six goals across 10 matches in La Liga and the Europa Conference League.
READ MORE: 'Keep his mouth shut' - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp slammed Tottenham star for 'childish' outburst
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp can unleash 'best' Liverpool midfield with new partner for Thiago and Fabinho
And Baena's goals this season for Unai Emery's side have come in just 368 minutes of action - averaging a goal every 61 minutes. That's because six of his 10 appearances have come from the bench.
The 21-year-old's performances have not gone unnoticed and Villarreal may now struggle to keep hold of a player that has been on their books since 2011.
Spanish outlet Sport believe clubs can sign Baena for a fee of just £30.5m as he reportedly has a release clause in his contract. The Yellow Submarine are hoping to tie the rising star down to a new and improved deal to fend of any interest in one of the prized assets.
As well as Liverpool and City, Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be monitoring Baena.
READ NEXT:
-
Liverpool told they won't have to pay £130m Borussia Dortmund asking price for Jude Bellingham
-
Liverpool midfielder was forced to apologise to Sir Alex Ferguson after angry exchange
-
Liverpool get 'first of its kind' boost as new global partner is announced
-
Jurgen Klopp has Arthur Melo concern and five other Liverpool problems that must be addressed
-
'Phenomenal talent' - Liverpool fans rave about Ben Doak as teenager scores on Scotland U21 debut
