Real Madrid 'want to extend Rodrygo deal amid Liverpool interest'

Real Madrid are reportedly keen to extend the contract of Brazilian attacker Rodrygo amid suggestions that Liverpool are looking to sign him this summer.

The 21-year-old was an important player for Los Blancos during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring nine times and registering 10 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.

Rodrygo proved to be key for Real Madrid in the latter stages of their Champions League campaign, scoring once against Chelsea in the quarter-finals and twice against Manchester City in the semi-finals.

A recent report claimed that Liverpool had identified the Brazilian as a potential replacement for Sadio Mane, with the Senegal international moving to Bayern Munich this summer.

However, according to journalist Ekrem Konur, Los Blancos are determined to keep hold of the attacker and are planning to hand him a contract extension until June 2027.

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The South American's current deal is due to run until June 2025, and he has now represented Real Madrid on 108 occasions since his arrival from Santos in July 2019, contributing 18 goals and 21 assists in the process.

Rodrygo has won two La Liga titles and one Champions League crown during his time at Bernabeu, while he has been capped on five occasions by Brazil.

The forward only started 17 La Liga matches last season, though, and he was allegedly frustrated with his role in the squad for spells of the 2021-22 campaign.

Rodrygo also only played the final one minute of the Champions League final against Liverpool, with Federico Valverde chosen to play in an advanced area alongside Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior.

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Eden Hazard will remain at Real Madrid this summer despite his struggles at the club, while Vinicius and Benzema will also definitely be at the club next term.

There is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz and Luka Jovic, though, while Gareth Bale and Isco have already departed.

Los Blancos had been expected to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer this summer, but the France international instead decided to sign a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are due to begin their 2022-23 La Liga campaign against Almeria on August 13 before taking on Celta Vigo in their second match of the season one week later.