Liverpool have reportedly stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to sign centre-back Cristian Romero.
The Argentinian defender is currently contracted to Juventus, but he is yet to play a single game for the club and enjoyed a stellar season on loan at Atalanta BC in the 2020-21 campaign.
Romero still has another 12 months left to run on his loan deal with La Dea, who are expected to trigger his option-to-buy clause and potentially sell him on for a substantial figure.
Man United have been strongly linked with a swoop for the South American, but according to Calciomercato, Liverpool are at the head of the queue for his signature.
The Reds have already bolstered their defence with the signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, and the report adds that Atalanta would be unlikely to consider selling Romero unless they receive a bid of at least €50m (£43m).
Romero scored three goals and assisted five more in 42 appearances for Atalanta last term, and he is expected to play a prominent role for Argentina at the Copa America.
Ben Knapton
