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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

Federico Valverde plays down Liverpool and Chelsea links as Real Madrid midfielder addresses future

Federico Valverde has insisted he has no plans to leave Real Madrid this summer, despite speculation over his future.

Real officially presented Jude Bellingham this week as the teenager arrived for a fee that could rise to £115million, making the England midfielder the second most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Toni Kroos is expected to sign a one-year contract extension at Real and Luka Modric is set to do likewise, leaving Carlo Ancelotti with incredible depth in midfield as Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni also push for regular starts.

There were reports earlier this month that Liverpool had a £51million bid for Valverde rejected by Real, with the Reds hoping that Bellingham’s arrival could persuade the LaLiga side to sell the Uruguayan. It has been claimed that Real have slapped an £85m valuation on Valverde.

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been linked with the 24-year-old in the past too, with Mauricio Pochettino in particular believed to be keen on bringing Valverde to Stamford Bridge as he looks to turn the club’s fortunes around.

However, Valverde has now spoken out on his future, making it clear that lifting more trophies in a Madrid shirt remains his priority.

“No, no - I’m at Madrid, trying to enjoy every moment and leave my mark on the best club in the world,” Valverde told ESPN Argentina.

“I want to keep winning titles for Real Madrid fans.”

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