Liverpool are said to have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Marco Asensio.
The Reds were linked with the Real Madrid forward over the course of the summer, but no move materialised. Asensio’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with no signs of an extension.
Reports earlier this month suggested that Asensio had three possible destinations for next summer when he’ll be able to sign for a new club for free. Liverpool were mentioned in the report, along with AC Milan and Arsenal.
READ MORE: I know how Trent Alexander-Arnold feels - but Liverpool fans know the truth
READ MORE: Zinedine Zidane loved 'wasted' Liverpool legend who suffered familiar Trent Alexander-Arnold issue
Now, according to Football Espana, Real Madrid are already planning for life without Asensio at the club. This is indicating that the player will leave the Santiago Bernabeu on a free transfer at the end of the season.
It has been stated that Real are not worried about the prospect of losing Asensio for free, having already got a replacement lined up. Brahim Diaz, who left Man City to move to the Spanish capital in 2019, is currently on loan at AC Milan and is seen as the long-term Asensio replacement.
Asensio recently addressed his future, amid links with Liverpool, and admitted that agreeing to move to a club from January onwards for free was a possibility for him.
“From January I can sign with any club and it is normal that a lot of rumours come out,” Asensio told Mundo Deportivo last week.
“I had a lot of messages from my friends. I haven’t thought about it nor have I considered it, I can’t give you an answer.
“We will see what happens, you never know in the world of football. I don’t know what will happen.”
READ NEXT:
- Manchester United dominance over after £115m blow as Liverpool truth becomes clearer
- Jude Bellingham 'already decided' on new club in Liverpool transfer blow
- Liverpool approaching inevitable transfer truth as Jurgen Klopp faces five vital decisions
- 'You must be mad' - Jaap Stam sets record straight on what really happened in dressing room against Liverpool
- FIFA 23: Liverpool legend launched 'quite simply the best football game' before smash hit was created
