Boost: Rodrygo
The Brazil international’s future has been under intense speculation all summer after playing a bit-part role under new head coach Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup.
Despite starting the opening group game against Al-Hilal, Rodrygo was limited to just two further substitute appearances for the remainder of the tournament and was an unused substitute in the semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
An exit from the Santiago Bernabeu appeared to be imminent when it was reported by AS last month that the Brazil international topped a list of five potential Real Madrid departures as Alonso looks to trim his squad.
However, the same publication then claimed that Rodrygo had decided to stay and was determined to force his way into Alonso’s plans.
The latest development, according to ESPN, is that the 24-year-old has chosen Anfield as his preferred destination if he were to leave Madrid this summer.
This is despite links to Arsenal, Manchester City and PSG. It has previously been reported that Real Madrid would accept an offer in the range of £76.8million (€90million), with £68m (€80m) the minimum.
While Liverpool have already spent big this summer, they have been urged by captain Virgil van Dijk to sign another forward before the transfer window closes.
British artist hails importance of paint practice pioneered by Constable
Liverpool XI vs Bournemouth: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news
Shein’s UK sales surge 32% higher amid stock market float plans
Practical magic reboot
"Well, we just lost Darwin [Nunez], he went to Saudi and we lost Lucho [Luis Diaz], obviously he went to Bayern,” he Dijk told talkSPORT.
“I think there's always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us so let's see what the window brings in terms of the balance of the team."