Manchester United and Liverpool interested in Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente

 

Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente has attracted a lot of suitors from across Europe. Especially, due to his ability to play in multiple positions. The 26-year old midfielder is happy at the Spanish capital but he has not ruled out a move out of La Liga.

Llorente played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid’s historic La Liga win last season. He has scored 12 goals and mustered 11 assists being one of the primary goal contributors for the Rojiblancos. Only Luis Suarez had more goal contributions for Atleti last season. So that speaks volumes about his evolution from a defensive midfielder to a more attacking one.

The Spaniard has three more years left on his contract but he wants to sign a  new extension which has not been discussed yet. Hence it allows other clubs from different league to evaluate their chances for the versatile midfielder.

“I have many years left [on my contract]. My idea is to stay, I’m fine,

I’m happy at Atletico Madrid,” he said to AS.

“We have had a great season winning La Liga. Anything can happen in football, but I don’t think about that kind of thing. I am happy and now I am with the national team.

“There were conversations a long time ago, it is true, but nothing happened and the negotiation was not completed. I have no problem.”

Among the clubs linked, Manchester United and Liverpool are mostly weighing their chances. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking for a midfielder of the same mould as Gini Wijnaldum. The Dutch midfielder left the Reds this summer as his contract expired to join Paris Saint Germain. Hence Llorente can be a great addition for the reds this summer. Even the 26-year-old’s agents admitted that Liverpool’s representatives have reached out to him to discuss a move.

“I have received many calls from Anfield for Marcos Llorente. Marcos and I have always talked about this and he wants to stay, so there is not much else to do,” said his agent.

However, according to a report in Mirror, Manchester United are also looking for an attacking midfielder. The Red Devils are ready to shell out a bid worth £68 million. Given Llorente’s versatility, he can easily slot in midfield alongside Paul Pogba or even venture forward in a more attacking role.