Liverpool make “formal offer of €180 million” for Real Madrid star

After seemingly missing out on Nabil Fekir, Liverpool are looking at alternatives.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is hoping to find a long-term replacement for Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona in January, and they are reportedly willing to part ways with a club record fee to bring in Real Madrid's Marco Asensio this summer. A report from Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, claims that Liverpool have offered an incredible €180 million (£158 million) for the young Spaniard. Asensio has failed to nail down a regular starting place at the Bernabeu and will likely struggle even more for playing time if Los Blancos turn their eyes to Fekir, as has been suggested by Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas this weekend. While it's been said that Asensio has a staggering release clause of €700 million (£615 million), the sensational report claims that Real will consider Liverpool's offer. Supporters should be reminded that it is no more than a report at this stage and while fans would be thrilled to see an exciting attacking prospect like Asensio arrive at Anfield, there also remains a concern about the fact that Liverpool have yet to remedy their goalkeeping issue. The Reds have been linked with a move for Roma's Brazilian stopper Alisson but, apparently, he would prefer a move to Real Madrid and won't make a decision on his future until the end of the World Cup. It's looking like there are going to be several overlapping elements to the transfer business of Real Madrid and Liverpool this summer.