Valencia linked with unwanted Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto

August 18, 2016
Jack Lusby

As Valencia plan for a possible deal to send Paco Alcacer to Barcelona, Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto has emerged as a target.

Barcelona are keen to add another striker to their ranks this summer as backup to Luis Suarez, with Alcacer among their list of possible signings – this could leave Valencia without a key man.

The 22-year-old scored 13 goals and laid on a further seven assists in 34 La Liga appearances last season, and the loss of this output would be a major blow to manager Pako Ayestaran.

If that is the case, the former Reds assistant manager is said to be an admirer of Alberto, according to Valencia publication Super Deporte.

They claim that Valencia have been monitoring Alberto for weeks, as they look to bolster their forward ranks.

Alberto, who saw a move to Sevilla break down earlier in the summer, is said to be valued at £2.5 million, though previous reports have suggested Liverpool are looking for £6 million.

Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Queens Park Rangers have all been credited with an interest in Alberto.

But a move to join Ayestaran’s resurgent Valencia would no doubt be more attractive, with Alberto boasting considerable experience of the Spanish top flight.

The midfielder has spent the past two seasons on loan with Malaga and Deportivo de La Coruna, and particularly impressed with the latter in 2015/16.

He clearly has no place under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, with a minimal presence at the club’s Melwood training ground and in both the first-team squad and Michael Beale’s U23s.

The 23-year-old would benefit from a move away from Merseyside this summer, and a permanent one seems likely.

Valencia present the perfect fit, and Alberto will be hoping their rumoured interest results in a deal.