Reds look set to miss out on Moreno

26 June 2014 11:16

Sevilla's sporting director Monchi claims Liverpool's pursuit of left-back Alberto Moreno is all but over after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.

The 21-year-old Europa League winner has been tracked by Brendan Rodgers for some time and although negotiations were lengthy the two have been "miles apart" on their valuations of the player with the Spaniards looking for £20million.

"The matter of Alberto is practically settled. We couldn't reach an agreement and I don't think it can be revived," Monchi told Spanish newspaper El Correo de Andalucia.

"It was a great offer but the player is only 21 years old and it's possible that the catharsis of being with the national team had a positive effect.

"He has a lot of room to grow and the coach is very happy to have him.

"I don't think we'll make a lot of moves but if on August 14 a club comes along and they give you a mountain of cash, well....I know you don't like to hear it, but we are economic managers.

"My feeling is that the negotiations are paralysed and I don't see any hint that they will be restarted.

"We put a price on our players which we believe to be appropriate. Whoever wants to buy, can buy, and if you can't....

"Also, with the sale of Ivan Rakitic (to Barcelona) our needs were covered. We don't have the (financial) burden we had at other times."

While Liverpool are still trying to add to the signings of England and Southampton striker Rickie Lambert and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Emre Can they are prepared to allow one of last summer's arrivals to go out on loan.

Midfielder Luis Alberto made just two starts and 10 substitute appearances after an £8million move from Sevilla and as Rodgers is not prepared to give up on the 21-year-old just yet it is understood an agreement with Malaga for a season-long loan is well advanced.

Source: PA