Ilori, 20, joined the Andalusian club in January until the end of the season and, despite making just two appearances, has impressed enough to leave sporting director Juan Carlos Cordero pondering a future transfer.

Liverpool may not be interested in selling, having signed the player for around £7million last summer with one eye on the future, but a third strong showing against Valencia on Sunday would surely increase his stock at Granada.

“For the experience he has he is calm, he has pace, moves the ball well. He has come in and fitted into the team very quickly,” said Cordero.

“When the end of the summer comes we’ll see if he is wanted by the Liverpool first team or if they want to sell or loan him.

“This is something that does not need to worry us now, it will come in due course as he continues to grow.”

While Ilori won plaudits for his part in last weekend’s 1-0 win over Real Betis – a result that ended a three-game losing streak – Dani Benitez was in Cordero’s bad books.

He was sent off in the 79th minute having only arrived from the bench on the hour.

“He put the three points at risk, which his team worked hard for,” said Cordero.

“He was calling for minutes and Lucas gave him the opportunity. He didn’t make the most of it.”

Valencia head into the match on the back of a trip to Cyprus, where they beat Dynamo Kiev 2-0 in a relocated Europa League clash on Thursday.

Manager Juan Antonio Pizzi once again rotated his goalkeeper for the game, with Guaita taking his regular cup place ahead of league regular Diego Alves.

The Brazilian is likely to be back on duty at the Mestalla, but Pizzi was evasive on the subject.

“There will be games to play one and matches to play the other,” he said.

“The position of goalkeeper is one where you should be your maximum when the coach wants to use either of the two.”