Liverpool are facing competition from Chelsea for Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez.
The Reds are believed to be keeping close tabs on the 19-year-old who has been a regular starter for his club in recent weeks.
However, the Daily Mail claim that their Premier League rivals are “keen” on snapping up Rodriguez and they are likely to “step up” their interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
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Chelsea need to strengthen their left flank with Mykhailo Mudryk currently serving a preliminary suspension for a failed drugs test, and they have identified the young Spaniard as one of their top targets.
What do fans need to know about Rodriguez?
The forward made his first-team debut against Gevora in the Copa del Rey back in late October. He got an assist during the 6-1 win.
Since then, Rodriguez has scored his first goal for Betis, which came in a 3-1 home defeat to Alaves a couple of months ago. He has started the club’s last seven league fixtures.
The Spanish Under 19 international caught the eye once again at the weekend as he won the penalty that led to Betis’s winner against Real Madrid.
Why are Liverpool interested in signing another winger?
Although Rodriguez is predominantly right-footed, he is pretty confident on his weaker foot, so there wouldn’t be any issue deploying him from the right flank.
Supporters would be surprised if the Reds were considering him as a potential replacement for Mo Salah, but the club’s recruitment department may feel that he possesses the potential to reach the Egyptian’s level in the long term.
Rodriguez does have a release clause in his contract worth £42m, so it will be interesting to see whether Arne Slot’s side or Chelsea choose to trigger it over the coming weeks and months.
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