Newcastle are strong contenders to sign rumoured Liverpool target Marco Asensio, according to reports from Spain.
AS claims there is still plenty of uncertainty over the 26-year-old's future as he enters the final year of his current deal. He last signed a contract in 2017 and will be available on a free transfer next summer if he does not put pen to paper on fresh terms.
The report states it is the player's 'preference' to remain at the Bernabeu beyond next season, but he is aware there will be plenty of interest from other clubs if he is to move on. While Liverpool are among those to be linked in the past, it has now been reported AC Milan and Newcastle currently lead the chase.
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The article suggests the Serie A giants have a huge 'fixation' on the Spain international, but are conscious they will not be able to match the financial powers of English clubs. While his wage demands are high, it is understood that greatest obstacle will be Asensio's desire to remain in Madrid.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the future's of duo Asensio and Dani Ceballos in the mixed zone following their pre-season defeat to Barcelona in Las Vegas on Sunday. He told AS: "They (Asensio and Ceballos) don't bother me, but the competition has increased. Leave? Ask them. Renew them? Ask the club."
The Spanish media has continuously linked Liverpool with a move for Asensio this summer amid all the uncertainty over his future. However, the ECHO understands the club's incoming transfer business for the summer has concluded following the arrivals of Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Calvin Ramsay.
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