Liverpool enter 'direct talks' with Rodrygo over summer transfer with Real Madrid ready to sanction sale of star winger

According to journalist Santi Aouna, there are 'direct talks' between Liverpool and Rodrygo's entourage but there are no negotiations between the two teams at present. Moreover, Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claims Madrid would be open to selling the Brazilian, and the winger is aware of this.

Plettenberg adds that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Rodrygo in case Luis Diaz leaves Anfield, with Bayern Munich targeting the Colombia international, but a move for the 24-year-old would be 'very expensive'. The Brazil international is said to be earning up to €10 million net per year, which is putting off teams such as Chelsea, among others.

Rodrygo - who can play as a centre-forward, a supporting striker, and as a winger - has scored 68 goals and added 51 assists in 270 games for Madrid so far. But after reports of him being 'sad' over his diminishing game time, he could be heading for pastures new this summer.

It remains to be seen if any team will submit a concrete offer for Rodrygo, who still has three years left on his contract at Santiago Bernabeu. Incidentally, he played three times in Madrid's six Club World Cup games this summer, which may be a sign of things to come at Los Blancos.