Liverpool’s highly-rated young midfielder Cameron Brannagan is wanted by European giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In a report that will come as a shock to many, the Mirror‘s Spanish correspondent Ed Malyon claims both La Liga powerhouses are tracking the 20-year-old.
Both clubs are reportedly tempted to sign Brannagan this summer, with Madrid executive Emilio Butragueno sending scouts to watch him in recent years.
The Spain legend first saw him when Liverpool and Madrid’s youth teams faced each other in November 2014, and he was immediately impressed.
A £5.5 million bid is said to be imminent from Los Blancos, including add-ons.
Barca, meanwhile, have also shown an interest in Brannagan and they watched him four times for the U21s last season – but their weak current financial situation makes a move less likely.
Man United have attempted to lure him to Old Trafford in the past as well, but the Salford-born player was happy at Anfield.
Brannagan is arguably the most gifted youngster at Liverpool currently, with superb technical ability and quality from set-pieces.
He made nine appearances in 2015/16, making his debut in the Europa League against Bordeaux in September, and starting against Bournemouth (League Cup), Exeter City and West Ham in the FA Cup, and his first league start on the final day of the season at West Brom.
The midfielder impressed on every occasion, and it would be a surprise if the club allowed him to leave at this point in his career. Jurgen Klopp has spoke highly of him several times.
Last month, it was reported that the Reds will offer him a new and improved contract – just seven months after another new deal – presumably in order to ward off Spanish interest.
To be linked with such illustrious clubs is proof of Brannagan’s enormous potential, and given Klopp’s preference for blooding youngsters, he could break into the first-team squad more regularly next season.
Brannagan is sure to feature heavily in the Reds’ pre-season games, potentially forcing his way into Klopp’s plans from there.
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