Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane wants to keep apparent Liverpool target Marco Asensio at the Bernabeu Stadium this summer, as reported by The Mirror.
The Reds had been listed as one of the clubs to have established an interest in landing the Spaniard, who had struggled to make an impression in the first half of the season under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari.
However, following Zidane’s return to the hot seat at Real, it seems Asensio features in his plans as a crucial player for the future. The Frenchman said of his playmaker:
I have spoken to him and told him that he will be fundamental to the team. And I want him here with us.
The 23-year-old’s future with Los Blancos had come under scrutiny previously, but the appointment of Real’s former player and manager appears to have handed him a lifeline.
From 22 La Liga appearances this season, Asensio has found the net on just one occasion, chipping in with a further four assists.
Liverpool may need to move on to other attacking targets ahead of the summer, with their reported interest in the Spanish international unlikely to materialise in light of Zidane’s comments.
