{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Report: Liverpool eye swoop for Madrid left-back with £20.5m release clause
By Matt Bullin
Liverpool have been scouting Atletico Madrid’s young left-back Theo Hernandez ahead of a potential summer move, according to a report.
The Independent reports that the 19-year-old has a £20.5million release clause, and that Liverpool will face competition from Real Madrid who are also interested in securing his services.
Hernandez, is the younger brother of Atletico centre back Lucas, and has been on loan at newly-promoted Alaves this season.
The youngster has shone at Alaves and has helped them to a mid-table finish, as well as the Copa del Rey final.
The Frenchman has featured 30 times in all competitions for the Babazorros this season and has provided four assists.
Get Exclusive transfers news at Football Insider's YouTube TV channel
He has also featured three times for France Under-19s, scoring one goal.
The 19-year-old is heading back to Atletico when his loan expires at the end of the season, but he now has options from two huge European clubs to consider.
Football Insider verdict
Liverpool have been on the look out for a left-back for some time now as they look to replace James Milner and upgrade on Alberto Moreno. Hernandez could be the ideal option given that he has proven himself in La Liga this season. The price is also certainly a plus point for the Reds who would have no problems stumping up just over £20million for a quality player. The only issue would be his inexperience. Although he has impressed in Spain this season, it is only his first full season and Liverpool may be looking for someone who will come straight into the side, rather than someone with bags of potential. The other stumbling block for Jurgen Klopp could be if Real Madrid table an offer, or if the young Frenchman would simply prefer to stay at Atletico and fight for his place.
In other Liverpool transfer news, Liverpool are set to battle Everton for 70-cap International this summer.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Liverpool breaking news.