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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Zinedine Zidane makes decision on Liverpool target Marco Asensio

Zinedine Zidane is ready to fend off any bids for Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio.

The Spaniard showed signs of development at the Bernabeu under the Frenchman last season but his progression stalled once Julen Lopetegui and then Santiago Solari took the reins.

The midfielder was linked with a move away from Real Madrid as a result, with Liverpool among the clubs reportedly ready to hand the 23-year-old an escape route.

Real Madrid chiefs also suggested they would be open to the idea of selling Asensio to free up funds to sign other targets.

But Zidane has closed the door on the midfielder leaving since returning to Real Madrid.

Marco Asensio was linked with a move away from Real Madrid (BALLESTEROS/EPA-EFE/REX)

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Los Blancos boss Zidane said: "I have spoken to him and told him that he will be fundamental to the team. And I want him here with us."

Asensio came through the ranks at Mallorca before moving to Real Madrid in 2014.

Zinedine Zidane is ready to fend off any bids for Asensio (AFP/Getty Images)

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Despite his young age Asensio has already won two Champions League trophies at Real Madrid - both of which were under Zidane.

Zidane took charge of his first match as Real Madrid boss for a second time last Sunday, beating Celta Vigo 2-0. Asensio played the full 90 minutes.

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