£49m attacker considers ignoring Real Madrid interest and joining Liverpool

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of a £49m forward, as it has now been revealed he could be tempted by a move to Anfield this summer, despite interest from Real Madrid.

Reds’ rivalry with Real Madrid continues

The Reds lost two Champions League finals against Real Madrid during the Jürgen Klopp era, with Thibaut Courtois pulling out all the stops to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spanish side in 2022.

Since then, relations between the two clubs have soured, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting to leave his boyhood club for the side responsible for denying the right-back two more Champions League medals.

The way in which Trent went about the move certainly didn’t do him any favours, with the academy graduate leaving on a free transfer, and Madrid have been making attempts to convince Arne Slot’s side to release him from his contract early.

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The Reds have now made a move to sign a forward, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.

Supporters have, understandably, been extremely frustrated by Trent’s departure, but Liverpool could now have the chance to get one up on their Spanish nemesis by pipping them to the signing of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Indeed, Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being a part of the Reds’ exciting frontline could be attractive to the forward, which will come as welcome news to the Premier League champions.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, and the possibility of him moving to Anfield is now looking increasingly likely.

“Electric” Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Luis Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, but there are signs that Williams could be an ideal long-term replacement.

Just 22-years-old, the Bilbao star has been a key player for the La Liga side for quite some time, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric“.

Slot will be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams could be a solid long-term replacement, while also capable of pushing for the 28-year-old’s starting spot immediately.