Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out over the transfer of teenage Valencia striker Fran Navarro, with Real Madrid hoping to beat them to him.
According to SuperDeporte, Jurgen Klopp will make his move in January as he looks to add yet another promising youngster to his squad at Anfield.
Navarro is under contract with Los Che until 2019, and although he’s highly-rated by the club, he has yet to make his senior debut under Cesare Prandelli this season.
In turn, if he doesn’t feel confident about his chances of breaking through at the Mestalla, then perhaps a move to Merseyside could be appealing with Klopp showing that he is more than ready to place his faith in youngsters and give them an opportunity to shine.
However, interest from Real will be an issue as it’s claimed in the report that both clubs have been monitoring Navarro for some time.
The Spaniard turns 19 next year and will hope to continue his development with regular playing time, while his versatility could also work in his favour as he can be deployed as a centre-forward or out on the left wing.
Given the options at Zinedine Zidane’s disposal currently, it would seem a questionable move to choose the Spanish giants and so perhaps there is a case for Klopp to ensure that the teenager picks Liverpool.
Nevertheless, time will tell as to whether Liverpool can agree terms with both Valencia and the player, and if Madrid will become a prominent issue in their pursuit of Navarro.