Liverpool are now unlikely to sign Real Madrid prodigy Martin Odegaard, with the Norweigan set to move to Ligue 1 side Rennes.
AS report that the 17-year-old actually wanted to link up with the Reds on loan for at least a season, but Los Blancos have dictated that he will develop more in France.
Real manager Zinedine Zidane was particularly influential in the move, perhaps deciding against the Premier League because of its notorious physicality.
While Liverpool will be disappointed to miss out, that could allow Jurgen Klopp to focus all his attention on signing a new left-back.
The 4-3 victory over Arsenal was marred by yet another horror show performance from Alberto Moreno.
The Spaniard gave a penalty away, which was subsequently missed by Theo Walcott.
He then seemed intent that the England international get on the scoresheet anyway, finding himself hopelessly out of position minutes later to allow Walcott to open his account for the season.
The Reds’ attack was blistering, with Philippe Coutinho leading the way, so maybe there wasn’t room for Odegaard after all as it would have been hard to guarantee him a regular starting place.
That shouldn’t signal the end of Klopp’s transfer business, though, as they simply can’t afford to defend as they did at the Emirates if they’re going to mount a top four challenge.
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