Liverpool have entered the race to secure the services of Real Madrid outcast James Rodriguez, reports Spanish publication Don Balon.
The Colombia international did not make the 18-man squad for Real Madrid’s Champions League final 4-1 win over Juventus last weekend, effectively sealing his exit from the Bernabeu.
Rodriguez has been strongly linked with a move away from the La Liga and European champions for the best part of 12 months now, with a Premier League switch on the cards.
Chelsea were believed to be frontrunners for his signature, only for Manchester United to steal a march on the Blues and it was rumoured that a deal was close to competition.
However, Liverpool now appear to have leapfrogged their rivals in the race to sign the 25-year-old, with it thought that the Reds will meet the £52m asking price for the Colombian attacker.
Liverpool are expected to splash the cash this summer and have already confirmed the arrival of Dominic Solanke from Chelsea, while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also said to be closing in on moves to Anfield.
Despite a lack of regular game time for Real Madrid, Rodriguez impressed when called upon, making more key passes per 90 (3.4) than any other player to make 20 or more La Liga appearances last season.
