Latest Liverpool transfer news: Marco Asensio will not be leaving Real Madrid this season

Reports (h/t Liverpool Echo) had claimed that Real Madrid were willing to offer Marco Asensio to Liverpool in exchange for Sadio Mane, however, Marca (h/t Liverpool Echo) claims that is not the plan.

The Spanish outlet (h/t Liverpool Echo) reports that Zinedine Zidane wants to keep hold of the 23-year-old.

The report adds that Zidane wants to help Asensio find his form next season, as the French manager looks to revitalise the La Liga giants.

Real struggled last season and were knocked out by Ajax in the Champions League. They were far behind Barcelona in La Liga, but have made several big-name signings so far in the summer.

Asensio was one of the players who struggled last season and scored just six goals in all competitions for Real. Getting hold of Asensio would be great given his potential, but that should not come at the cost of losing Mane.

The Senegal international has improved every season since joining the Reds and shared the Golden Boot last season with two other strikers.

The former Southampton star also works hard on the pitch and will improve further under Jurgen Klopp.

Mane needs to be fresh for the season

The Senegal star is doing his bit for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 27-year-old scored a brace in the 3-0 win over Kenya but needs to come back from the tournament without any problems.

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Liverpool’s first game of the Premier League season is on 9th August, and the AFCON final will be held on 19th July.