Liverpool target signs new deal with €350m release clause

Liverpool have been served a decisive blow in their pursuit of Marco Asensio with news the highly rated Real Madrid midfielder has signed a new one-year contract extension that includes a stunning €350m (£308m) release clause, claims Marca.

Asensio, who is currently away with the Spain U21 squad for Euro 2017, is widely regarded as one of the best young players in Europe after enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign for Zinedine Zidane’s side last season.

The 21-year-old endured two loan spells away from Madrid after joining the club in 2014 but was kept in Zidane’s first team plans last season and even scored the final goal in their 4-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League final earlier this month.

Liverpool reportedly had a £50m bid for Asensio turned down towards the end of last season and Jurgen Klopp’s side will now be forced to put an end to any interest in the Spaniard, whose long-term future is now certainly with Madrid.

Asensio’s previous deal wasn’t due to expire until 2022 and Madrid weren’t in any rush to discuss a new contract with the attacking midfielder, but the European champions have now moved to quash any talk about a potential move away this summer and in the future.

Madrid believe Asensio can go on and play a huge part in the future of the club, which is emphasised by the fact they have included a staggering £308m release clause in his new contract that will reportedly be made official in the coming days.

The youngster made 23 league appearances in his breakthrough campaign for Madrid last season but only 11 of those came as a starter and he will be looking to build on that next year.

Given he was selected over James Rodriguez in the matchday squad for the Champions League final, you’d expect a greater role in the first-team in the coming years to be a formality. In fact, only Cristiano Ronaldo (12) and Karim Benzema (5) scored more goals in their historic European campaign last season than Asensio (3), despite only starting one game.

For more stats on Marco Asensio, click here to visit his WhoScored player page