Liverpool will noch einen Spanier

[chinomoreno]

Reds' Alexis interest confirmed

Malaga have confirmed that Liverpool are trying to sign their defensive starlet Alexis as part of the deal to take El Hadji Diouf in the opposite direction.

The 19-year-old is rated as one of the best prospects in the Spanish game and has already attracted interest from a host of European clubs.

He caught the eye of numerous scouts with his showing at the European Under-17 Championship a couple of years ago, and Internazionale, Aston Villa and Marseille, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid, are all reported to have approached Malaga with enquiries.

However, the Primera outfit are determined to hold on to the youngster who is expected to establish himself in their first team this season.

Indeed, Malaga president Serafin Roldan revealed that Liverpool's insistence on securing first option on Alexis was threatening to scupper the loan deal for Senegalese striker Diouf.

"We are not prepared to allow them an option on him (Alexis)," Roldan declared.

Despite still trying to finalise a deal for Diouf, Roldan went on to admit that his club were 'very close' to reaching an agreement with Valencia that would see hit-man Salva Ballesta join the club on a season-long loan for the second year running.

"Salva is our priority and we are very close to an agreement with Valencia," he added.

skysports.planetfootball.com