Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a move to bring Spanish youngster Luis Alberto to Anfield.
The versatile 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Barcelona B in the second tier of Spanish football from Sevilla, but the La Liga champions have passed up on an option to sign the attacking midfielder on a permanent basis, allowing Brendan Rodgers' side to enter the fray.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo report that the promising youngster has agreed to move to Anfield on a four year contract. With personal terms agreed, it is now down to Sevilla and Liverpool to agree upon a fee.
Having already brought Kolo Toure to the club and with another deal for Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas nearing completion, Liverpool are close to completing their third piece of business in rapid succession. The Premier League club have reportedly tabled an offer of €6 million, although cash-strapped Sevilla are demanding a fee in the region of €9m, including appearance-based add ons.
It is thought Liverpool are willing to go as high as €8m, a bid that could be enough to tempt the Andalucian club into selling the player.
While Barcelona still have first option on Alberto, is looking increasingly unlikely that they will not activate it given number of burgeoning young talents already vying for opportunities at the club.
While Sevilla's financial concerns have been somewhat eased by the sale of Jesus Navas to Manchester City, club president Jose Maria del Nido would not be adverse to strengthening the club's position further, particularly if they are able to hold Liverpool to their required asking price.
Alberto, who has operated in both wide and attacking midfield positions last season, enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Spain's second tier hitting 11 goals and providing 17 assists for Barcelona's second string, which is largely made up of graduates from the club's revered La Masia academy.
Source: IB Times
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