Rodgers keen on Manquillo

22 July 2014 05:02

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is interested in striking a deal to bring young Atletico Madrid defender Javier Manquillo to Anfield.

The 20-year-old has played just six league matches in the last two seasons for the Primera Division champions as understudy to Spain international Juanfran.

Press Association Sport understands Rodgers is interested in taking the right-back on loan with a view to a permanent deal, although reports in Spain of an agreement already having been reached are premature.

Manquillo, who has also interested Arsenal, would provide competition for England international Glen Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract but has reached an impasse with the Reds over a new deal.

The club had wanted the defender to sign a contract on reduced terms considering the basis he turns 30 next month but Johnson does not want to accept that.

An £8.5million deal for QPR striker Loic Remy, who on Monday flew to the United States to join Liverpool's Boston training camp and have a medical, is likely to be concluded later in the week.

Belgium forward Divock Origi is also expected to join the Reds in America at some point with an agreement all-but completed with his French club Lille.

"The deal isn't done yet. Liverpool is still the most concrete option," the player's father Mike told Mediahuis back in their homeland.

"There's another team that shows interest. We want to take a decision soon.

"On Monday, Divock is expected back at for their first training session.

"We would like to have everything wrapped before that day."

Source: PA