Liverpool step up move to sign Bundesliga star wanted by Real Madrid: Reports
Liverpool have stepped up their efforts to secure the services of Real Madrid target Jeremie Frimpong, according to The Sun via Tribal Football. The Reds are preparing for life without Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract at Anfield expires next summer.
The Englishman has refused to sign a new deal so far and is apparently being eyed by Los Blancos. Alexander-Arnold could agree a pre-contract with the LaLiga champions as early as January.
The Merseyside club remain determined to keep him at the club but are now aware that the 26-year-old could be on his way to Real Madrid. Liverpool have identified Frimpong as his ideal replacement.
The Dutchman has been outstanding under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen so far. This season, the 24-year-old has registered two goals and eight assists from 23 games across competitions.
The Reds want an attack-minded full-back in their team and Frimpong fits the bill. However, the player is also wanted by Los Blancos, who are looking for Dani Carvajal's long-term replacement.
The Spanish right-back is currently sidelined with an ACL injury picked up in October and is also on the wrong side of 30. The LaLiga champions want to rope in a long-term successor for the veteran defender and have their eyes on Alexander-Arnold.
However, if the Englishman ends up extending his stay with Liverpool, Real Madrid could be forced to turn to Frimpong. The Dutchman is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028.
Are Liverpool eyeing a Real Madrid forward?
Liverpool have apparently identified Real Madrid forward Rodrygo Goes as Mohamed Salah's replacement, according to reports. The Reds are long-term admirers of the Brazilian ace and have been linked with the player before.
Rodrygo's position with Los Blancos has come under scrutiny following Kylian Mbappe's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. The 23-year-old has registered four goals and three assists from 19 games across competitions for the LaLiga champions.
The player is under contract until 2028, so Real Madrid are under no pressure to let him go. However, they could be willing to cash in on Rodrygo should Liverpool arrive with a lucrative offer next year.
The Reds are in a precarious position with Mohamed Salah, whose contract at Anfield expires at the end of this campaign. The Egyptian ace hasn't agreed to a new deal yet and could be on his move next summer. Rodrygo could be a fine replacement for the 32-year-old.