Liverpool sets sight on acquiring Manquillo

A deal for Atletico Madrid right-back Javier Manquillo looks more realistic now as it is at a more advanced stage with Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre having flown to the Spanish capital to complete the transfer. Although the 20-year-old is expected to sign initially on loan, the Reds will have an option to make the move permanent later on.

Madrid-born Javier Manquillo started out in Real Madrid's youth system but was released in 2007 and signed for Atletico Madrid soon after. He then took his first-team bow for Atletico in December 2011 but has found his opportunities extremely limited and is vying for a regular staring line up spot which has led to speculation about his switch to the Merseyside team. Liverpool FC have been on a spending spree ever since the sale of Suarez to La Liga giants Barcelona for a reported 88 million euros.

The acquisition of Javier Manquillo would make it a double sweep of defenders for the Reds if Brendan Rodgers is also able to bring in Moreno from Spanish side Sevilla.