Liverpool are reportedly considering a shock move for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo as a replacement for Sadio Mane.
Mane's six-year tenure at Anfield came to an end earlier this month, as the 30-year-old made a £35m switch to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
Mane was due to become a free agent at the end of next season, and Liverpool turned down two bids from the Bavarian giants before an agreement was struck.
Jurgen Klopp's side have already signed Fabio Carvalho and Darwin Nunez to negate the impact of Mane's exit, but Mohamed Salah's future is still being called into question.
As a result, Spanish outlet El Nacional claims that Klopp has identified Rodrygo as a potential replacement for Mane, and the Brazil international is not 100% happy at the Bernabeu.
© Reuters
Rodrygo was instrumental in Real's run to the Champions League trophy last season, coming off the bench to score vital goals against Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout rounds.
The former Santos starlet registered nine goals and 10 assists in 49 outings for Carlo Ancelotti's side in all tournaments last term, but he failed to cement a place in the first XI.
Amid competition from Marco Asensio and Federico Valverde on the right-hand side of the attack, Rodrygo started 17 games in La Liga and only came on for the final minute of the Champions League final.
The 21-year-old is said to be left dissatisfied with his role under Ancelotti, who still views him as a player who can make an impact from the bench rather than a guaranteed starter.
The report adds that Liverpool have informally tabled a €60m (£51.7m) offer to Real president Florentino Perez, but Rodrygo is prioritising becoming a star at Real, even if Klopp plans to line up with him, Salah and Luis Diaz as his first-choice attack.
© Reuters
Rodrygo arrived in the Spanish capital for a £40.5m fee from Santos as an 18-year-old in 2019, and the attacker has amassed 18 goals and 21 assists in 108 games for Los Blancos since.
The five-cap Brazil international has won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and two Supercopa de Espana crowns with Real Madrid, and he is not due to become a free agent until 2025.
Despite already sanctioning Mane's exit, Liverpool could allegedly be prepared to part ways with Salah for a fee of £60m amid his contract uncertainty.
The 30-year-old, as things stand, will be leaving Anfield on a free transfer in 12 months time, and Liverpool chiefs are desperate to avoid that scenario coming to fruition.
However, Salah affirmed that he plans to stay at Liverpool next season before the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, although he is said to be after £400,000 a week to commit to fresh terms.
