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Rodrygo could be on the move from Real Madrid this summer(Image: Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

Liverpool have stepped towards the £79m signing of Hugo Ekitike in recent days - a striker to directly challenge for a place in Arne Slot's starting XI - and it has been suggested the summer of spending won't stop there.

Reportedly in line to follow the Frenchman to Anfield is Real Madrid winger Rodrygo.

Throwing down the gauntlet after becoming Premier League champions, Ekitike's impending arrival would take Liverpool's spending on new arrivals this summer to well beyond the £200m mark.



With minimal business carried out last year the club were always well-positioned financially to back their head coach for his second year in charge.

In the six weeks of the summer transfer window that remain, it is to be seen how far the Reds will stretch their large budget to cover what incomings they deem necessary.

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With that, the ECHO rounds up the latest Liverpool transfer gossip this Wednesday, July 23.

Liverpool's interest in Rodrygo is growing and they have taken the next step in the process, Foot Mercato reports.

They claim discussions have now opened between Anfield chiefs and the 24-year-old's entourage to discover the feasibility for his possible move to the Premier League some eight years on since he rejected the Reds as a teenager.

No contact has been made with Real Madrid directly yet.

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England is said to be Rodrygo's preferred destination, despite the allure of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian is set to fully discover Los Blancos' plan for him next season, but for now, it is suggested his squad role will continue under manager Xabi Alonso; therefore, the winger has not ruled out leaving.

Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany had provided his own update on Rodrygo beforehand.

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The reporter made his own claim that Liverpool were watching the situation closely as Real are open to selling their player, meaning Rodrygo himself is exploring his options.

But, there is one huge 'if' in the case of the Reds taking action to make this signing.

Before beginning, they would have to be certain they are selling Luis Diaz.

As the ECHO have reported this summer Liverpool's stance has been against selling their No.7, even rejecting a €67.5m (£58.6m) offer from Bayern Munich.
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