Liverpool winning the race for €30m-rated former Real Madrid defender

Liverpool are winning the battle to sign Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente, according to reports.

The 25-year-old former Real Madrid man has made five appearances for the Basque club this season, and is comfortable in either a centre-back or defensive midfield role.

Llorente spent 10 years in the Real academy before gaining valuable first team experience through loan spells at Rayo Vallecano and Malaga. He sealed a permanent switch to Sociedad in 2017.

Twice capped by Spain, the defender has attracted interest from a wide range of clubs, but according to Mundo Deportivo, it is Liverpool who are in pole position to sign him.

Other interested parties reportedly include London trio Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and West Ham United.

It is understood that Llorente could set Liverpool back €30m as they look to further bolster their defence – which has only leaked five Premier League goals all season. Llorente is seen as an ideal profile to add cover for the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with Jurgen Klopp well aware of the fact he will need to rotate his squad if his side are to sustain their title challenge.

 

Love Liverpool? Get the latest news and features on the Reds on your Facebook timeline by liking our dedicated page.