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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Alex Richards

Real Madrid make Marco Asensio transfer decision amid Liverpool 'interest'

Liverpool have once again been linked with a mega-money move for Marco Asensio, according to reports in Spain.

The Spain international, 23, has seen his performance levels plateau during 2018-19, in a difficult season for Real Madrid .

Los Blancos have gone through three managers during the course of the season, with ex-boss Zinedine Zidane returning after the failures of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.

Under all three, Asensio has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot; in 42 appearances he has started 23 times, completing the full 90 minutes on just 11 occasions.

Marco Asensio hasn't enjoyed a particularly successful season (BALLESTEROS/EPA-EFE/REX)

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And while he has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2023 - with a €700million release clause - Mundo Deportivo reports that Jurgen Klopp will make a move for Asensio this summer.

The Reds, heading into the last day of the Premier League season still hoping to win a first title in 29 years, aren’t expected to make huge changes to their squad this summer.

Klopp will look to strengthen once more (AFP/Getty Images)

But Klopp is ready to strengthen where necessary and one of the areas in which he is expected to add is in the forward department.

Rhian Brewster is expected to play a bigger part next term - with Daniel Sturridge set to depart, but Liverpool are still keen on a creative, versatile No.10 - having missed out on Nabil Fekir last summer.

In that regard, Asensio fits the bill.

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But Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, a major advocate of Asensio ever since pinching him from under Barcelona's nose when taking the then-teenager from Mallorca for just €4million, again has no desire to sell.

Perez remains hopeful that Asensio can kick on next season and play a key role under Zidane, especially with Gareth Bale increasingly likely to leave.

The Welshman has been told he has no future under the Frenchman, but Madrid must find a buyer.

As such, regardless of whether Klopp is a fan of the player or not, a deal looks unlikely to be on the table any time soon.

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