Liverpool have taken a huge step forward to landing Real Madrid star Rodrygo in the coming weeks, according to reports from Brazil - with the Seleçao star 'expected' to move to the Premier League in the remaining days of the window, potentially adding even more quality to Arne Slot's attacking ranks.
The report by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola [via SportWitness] states that Rodrygo is 'edging closer' to a Premier League move, with the Real Madrid star now 'expected' to leave the Spanish capital, heading to England.
Report: Liverpool in 'Two-Horse Race' to Sign Rodrygo This Summer
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid in 2024
Real Madrid's Rodrygo in action with Real Valladolid's Lucas Rosa on August 25, 2024.
And, on Nicola's YouTube channel, he has stated that Liverpool are the frontrunners for the 24-year-old star, who has spent six seasons with the Los Blancos in one of the most successful periods in their history.
A move to Manchester City looked to potentially be on the cards for the 'superstar', having pursued him for some time - and with Tottenham Hotspur being interested in current Cityzens star Savinho, it appears that dominos could fall to see him move to the Etihad Stadium.
However, any deal taking Savinho to Spurs has fallen through, and now Liverpool have entered the race with 'firm intent' seeing him as a direct replacement for Luis Diaz, who joined Bayern Munich earlier in the window to leave the Reds short of pacy sidemen.
Rodrygo is not fancied by Spanish gaffer Xabi Alonso, who failed to include him in Tuesday night's 1-0 win over Osasuna in the La Liga curtain-raiser, remaining on the bench throughout the game as young addition Franco Mastantuono was preferred instead.
He remains under contract until 2028, reportedly being valued at around £76million - but despite his hefty price tag, Liverpool have been named as a club who are 'willing to push' for a deal, with his next destination likely to be the Premier League champions, or City if some cogs can turn for their north-west rivals.
Rodrygo has 68 goals in 270 games for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit, recording double figures in terms of goals in each of his last three campaigns in all competitions - but with Vinicius Jr being preferred to him on his natural left-hand side, that has seen the former Santos starlet settle for time on the right-wing.
However, Arda Guler has begun to impress in that role, whilst Brahim Diaz was trusted to start there against Osasuna in midweek - and with Mastantuono being brought on ahead of the Brazilian in midweek, the writing appears to be on the wall.
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