Klopp rocked as Liverpool move for perfect third midfielder goes up in smoke

An audacious Liverpool raid on Real Madrid has hit a dead end, with the reasons why a move is now impossible coming to light.

The Reds are in the process of overhauling a sub-par midfield that hamstrung their campaign at every turn last season.

Alexis Mac Allister (£35m) and Dominik Szoboszlai (£60.1m) have joined the revolution. However, it’s been widely reported the revamp won’t be complete until a third midfielder arrives.

To that end, few midfielders in world football would be better suited to a Klopp side than Federico Valverde.

The Real Madrid and Uruguay ace, 24, is just now entering his prime years and boasts all the hallmarks of Klopp’s perfect midfielder.

Valverde is a relentless presser of defences and has an engine that never fails. He’s far more than just an attacker’s worst nightmare, however, with Valverde also possessing excellent technical ability and composure on the ball.

The idea of Real Madrid being willing to cash in on Valverde has seemed fanciful for the longest time. However, there have been growing suggestions an exit could take shape.

Indeed, Real Madrid are hoping to sign the wantaway Kylian Mbappe this summer. With PSG open to selling if a new contract goes unsigned to avert losing the world’s best player for nothing in 2024, a deal is potentially there to be had.

Real would need to free up funds for what would be a colossal financial undertaking. According to Radio Marca, Valverde is among those who could be sacrificed to the tune of  €80m-€100m.

What’s more, Real have signed Jude Bellingham to further cloud who will and won’t be the starters in Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield next season.

TEAMtalk learned in late-June that Liverpool made enquiries into Madrid and representatives close to the player.

A subsequent report in Spain claimed Liverpool are prepared to bid €90m (approx. £77.7m) for Valverde.

Now, a fresh update from 90min has confirmed Liverpool hold strong interest in the Uruguayan. However, why a deal is virtually impossible to make has been revealed.

Valverde to Liverpool a no go

Firstly, 90min state neither Real or Valverde are seeking a parting of the ways. Secondly, any and all approaches – including from Liverpool – have reportedly been ‘immediately dismissed’ by the club.

Furthermore, there’s no joy to be had on the player’s end, with 90min stating Valverde sees himself as a future Real Madrid captain.

A long stay will be required before he can realise that dream, while Valverde is also understood to be settled in Spain and unwilling to relocate.

Valverde’s wife has recently given birth to the couple’s second child. With a young family at home, Valverde has no intention of moving to another country.

Hammering the final nail into the Valverde transfer coffin, 90min concluded Liverpool’s approaches to the player’s representatives hit a brick wall.

With Valverde clearly not an option, all eyes will turn back to the Reds’ pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.

Arsenal and Chelsea also like the 19-year-old Belgium international, though it’s Liverpool who are believed to be fronting the queue.

READ MORE: Klopp orders Liverpool to complete £34.3m signing that’ll wreck West Ham, Crystal Palace plans