Liverpool target tipped to replace Shaqiri reacts to €60m transfer talk

Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze has played down rumours linking him with a potential move to Liverpool this summer.

The 19-year-old Nigerian has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign for the LaLiga club but has a €60m release clause to ward off any potential suitors.

The talented teenager joined Villarreal in 2017, despite being heavily linked to both Porto and Monaco, and has netted eight goals in total this season – having initially impressed for the club’s reserve side in 2017-18.

His performances have seen him linked a summer move, with several outlets stating that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to replace Xherdan Shaqiri with the attacker.

But Chukwueze was playing coy on his future, as cited by Marca (via ScoreNigeria): “I am aware that there are several interested teams, but I am still a Villarreal player and there is nothing concrete.

“It’s good that I am linked to great clubs, because that shows that hard work has its reward.

“I do not want to rush to go to another club. But if I ever had to leave, I should make sure I go to a club where I’m going to play.”

The report goes on to add that Villarreal are likely to resist any official approaches and will instead look to tie Chukwueze down to a new contract.