**Liverpool transfer target Marco Palestra says the “attention” he has received from the Reds and other teams has been flattering.**
Reports in the Italian media last week suggested that the 20-year-old was the subject of a €20m (£17.5m) bid from the Premier League champions last summer.
Palestra ultimately left Atalanta to join Cagliari on a season-long loan, but when asked about the interest he has received from other teams, the defender replied:
“The attention is nice, I’m just focused on doing well in the Rossoblu jersey. We need to improve, even if we always play with an open face. I’m improving defensively, but also in counterattacking. I have to thank the coach for pushing me.”
Palestra’s current asking price
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[_TuttoCagliari_](https://www.tuttocagliari.net/primo-piano/mister-40-milioni-tra-mercato-e-nazionale-la-nuova-sardegna-marco-palestra-vale-un-tesoro-ma-al-cagliari-e-solo-di-passaggio-161926) claim that the right-back would likely cost around €40m (£35m) in a future transfer window, which is double what Liverpool reportedly offered for him.
It is debatable whether Palestra is actually worth that much at the moment, despite some describing him as one of the most promising young fullbacks in European football.
He has only made 30 appearances at first-team level for both Atalanta and Cagliari so far, and Italy have yet to call him up to the senior squad.
Will Liverpool sign another right-back?
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Head coach Arne Slot has had issues keeping both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley fit this season, with Dominic Szoboszlai being roped in as an auxiliary option. For that reason, you can’t rule out another player being brought in.
As mentioned, though, Palestra’s valuation may put off the Reds and other suitors. If he continues to excel at Cagliari and perhaps kicks on when he returns to Atalanta next year, it may lead to the move being revisited. For now, scouts from Merseyside will be maintaining a watching brief.
[**Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-first-team-squad/)