£70m star who said yes to Liverpool has told teammates who he’s joining instead – journalist

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Is Aurelien Tchouameni joining Liverpool? Well the speculation certainly suggested it was possible.

In fact, L’Equipe reported a week ago that the Monaco powerhouse had his heart set on a transfer to Anfield.

And then it was claimed by RMC Sport – also in France – that Tchouameni had told Liverpool directly that he wanted to join them.

A move to Merseyside seemed very possible, even if conflicting reports from other publications had Real Madrid as winning the race for his signature.

And sadly for Jurgen Klopp, it looks like the Spanish giants might be getting him.

Spain-based journalist Mario Cortegana told The Four Amigos podcast that the player has already told his teammates that he’ll be going to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, revealing that Liverpool withdrew their interest.

Cortegana said: “The priority is Real Madrid. That’s what he said in the locker room and to the people he trusts. It was a three-way race, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The player has always given priority to Real Madrid and this is known in Madrid and Liverpool, who threw in the towel.”

Is Aurelien Tchouameni joining Liverpool?

Sadly, it would appear as if it’s a very long shot at this stage.

Besides, RMC Sport have already claimed that in recent days that the Primera Division champions have won the race in what’ll be a £70 million transfer.

It wouldn’t be a disaster if Klopp didn’t sign a defensive midfielder.

Remember, the Reds still have a certain Fabinho in their ranks and with the big Brazilian only being 28, well improving that position isn’t a matter of massive urgency.

But clearly Liverpool thought it was better to sign the player now rather than wait another year or two to sign a long-term replacement for Fabinho, though it seems he’s off to the Spanish capital.