Real Madrid have reportedly told Liverpool that they will need to include Sadio Mane in any deal to bring Marco Asensio to Anfield this summer.
Rumours linking the European champions with a £67m move for Asensio have gathered pace in recent days, with Jurgen Klopp understood to be keen to improve his squad's strength in depth ahead of an expected Premier League title challenge next season.
Asensio started just 19 La Liga games for Real Madrid last season and the Spanish giants are open to offers for the 23-year-old as they look to raise funds following a major summer spending spree already.
However, Spanish outlet El Desmarque reports that Madrid would not want a straight cash deal for Asensio and would instead insist that long-term target Mane is included in the deal.
Liverpool are unlikely to accept those terms after Mane jointly won the Premier League Golden Boot last season, in addition to helping the Reds to their sixth Champions League title.
Liverpool have made just one signing so far this summer, bringing in centre-back Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle.
Barney Corkhill
