Real Madrid have passed up the chance to sign Chicago Fire striker Jhon Duran in a potential transfer boost for Liverpool.
The Reds have just snapped up a new attacker with winger Cody Gakpo arriving from PSV Eindhoven.
Yet there may also be a desire to bring in young attackers for the long term, having snapped up the likes of Ben Doak and Fabio Carvalho last summer.
Chicago Fire hitman Duran fits that bill.
Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra – who broke the news of Liverpool signing Luis Diaz from Porto back in January – claims that the Reds have been following Duran.
Duran, 19, has hit eight goals and five assists in 27 MLS appearances for Chicago Fire, becoming one of the top young talents in North America.
Liverpool may hope to lure him to Anfield alongside fellow Colombian Diaz, and those hopes have been somewhat boosted.
Real Madrid snub Liverpool target Jhon Duran
Defensa Central report that Real Madrid’s recruitment mastermind Juni Calafat was presented with a chance to go for Duran.
Calafat know a South American talent when he sees one.
Federico Valverde, Rodrigo Goes, Vinicius Junior and now Endrick have all been signed thanks to Calafat.
Duran caught the eye of scouts working for Calafat but the signing of Endrick means Real have turned down the Chicago Fire ace.
Duran looks destined for a big move to Europe in 2023 but the Santiago Bernabeu seemingly won’t be his next destination.
Liverpool will still have a great chance of signing Duran and this just means one less battle with Real amid claims that both clubs want Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
There are other clubs interested too, with Portuguese newspaper Record reporting that Benfica are chasing Duran’s signature.
Real out of the mix is a boost though and Duran is a name for Liverpool fans to watch in 2023, whether that’s January or in the summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
