REUTERS/Vincent West
The clock is ticking for Liverpool. They've got just over two weeks to kickstart their summer business and solve Andoni Iraola's depth problem.
The former Bournemouth boss has arrived at an elite club, but has reportedly been forced to use assistant manager Tommy Elphick to boost his defensive numbers in training. As exciting as targets like Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are, Liverpool desperately need a centre-back.
That is where Real Madrid come in. The Spaniards have taken their fair share of Liverpool stars over the years and could now be sending one back the other way in the form of Raul Asencio.
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Liverpool's centre-back crisis
Virgil van Dijk
Joe Gomez (injured)
Jeremy Jacquet (injured)
Giovanni Leoni (injured)
It doesn't get more urgent than that for Liverpool, who would be wise to listen to Real Madrid's proposal.
Liverpool offered chance to sign Raul Asencio
Real Madrid CF’s Raul Asencio (c) celebrates goal with Kylian Mbappe (l) and Arda Guler
As reported by TeamTalk, Liverpool have now been offered Asencio from Real Madrid. The central defender has been told that he's not in Jose Mourinho's long-term vision and agents have entered talks with those at Anfield as a result.
The Reds have the green light from Real Madrid and the agents, but the player himself still needs convincing. The 23-year-old reportedly has no desire to leave the Bernabeu this summer, despite Mourinho's message.
Whether that stance will last the test of time remains to be seen. Iraola would certainly welcome the young Spaniard, given his centre-back crisis, with the report detailing the new Reds boss admires Asencio.
Liverpool alert as Newcastle open door for Nick Woltemade
REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
From one end of the pitch to the other, Liverpool have also been put on red alert ahead of a potential move for Nick Woltemade. Newcastle United have told the £69m striker that he can leave the club on loan just 12 months on from his record arrival.
The German initially got off to an excellent start, but quickly found himself dropped back to central midfield, before struggling to find form. A move away could now be on the cards and Liverpool could be lurking to boost their own frontline in shock fashion.