Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Marco Asensio, and now a new update has emerged on the club's progress in getting a deal done for the player this summer.
What's the latest?
According to Spanish news outlet COPE, Liverpool have tabled an offer to sign Real Madrid winger Asensio.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano" title= "Read the latest Liverpool news!"]
As per the report, the player has a desire to get more game-time and it was thought that he may achieve that now that Kylian Mbappe will not be making the move to the Bernabeu this summer, however, with just 12 months left on Asensio's contract, there is no intention from Real Madrid to secure his future.
AC Milan have also reportedly made an offer for the player alongside the Merseyside club.
He's Coutinho 2.0
Jurgen Klopp will likely jump at the opportunity to strengthen his forward line after losing Sadio Mane, Taki Minamino and Divock Origi this summer, whilst doubt remains on Mo Salah's future at the club and signing Asensio could be the perfect opportunity to add an experienced and proven winner in his team.
Since joining Los Blancos in 2015, the Spanish winger has won three Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles, scoring 49 goals and delivering 24 assists over 235 appearances.
Despite struggling for game-time in the side with just 19 starts and 59 minutes on average per game this season in the Spanish top-flight, Asensio has proved that he has the capabilities to perform at the highest level when called upon.
The £35m gem who was hailed "special" by journalist Kiyan Sobhani, scored ten goals and created one big chance. He made one key pass and took 2.2 shots on average per game, whilst he proved successful in the majority of his dribble attempts (68%) and ranked tenth in La Liga for shots on target over 31 appearances last season.
In terms of his compatibility with Liverpool, Klopp could have Philippe Coutinho 2.0 on his hands if FSG were to sign Asensio this summer, as the former Liverpool star is the eighth-most comparable player to the midfielder over the last year, according to FBref.
Although Coutinho offered a better pass completion rate (82.8%) and delivered three more assists, the Real Madrid midfielder scored more goals (10), had a far better shot on target percentage (48.4%) and a better pressure success rate (23.9%), proving that Asensio can offer similar attributes but is more prolific in attacking opportunities.
With that being said, if Julian Ward can get a deal done for Asensio this summer it could be a major coup for Liverpool in their pursuit of trophies by adding a proven winner and clinical attacker to the team.