Club now worried Liverpool could sign their star youngster, they’ve tracked him for ages

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Real Betis are getting worried that Liverpool may try and poach 17-year-old forward Assane Diao from them.

That’s according to Spanish outlet AS, who claim that the Reds are one of the clubs ‘circling’ the youngster. They, along with RB Leipzig are said to be ‘very aware’ of Diao’s talents.

This is reportedly a worry for Betis, as the teenager has just one year left on his current contract. It’s claimed that talks to negotiate an extension have been ongoing ‘for some time,’ but an agreement is yet to be reached.

As a result, Diao is currently set to be free to leave for nothing in a year’s time.

Liverpool and Leipzig reportedly aren’t the only ones to have been alerted to this. There’s said to be several more sides from England and Germany who have ‘taken note’ of the Spain U19 star’s development.

For the Reds – who are claimed to have been tracking Diao for a while – there looks set be a battle to sign the left winger.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Diao

Diao is a new name for us – he’s still yet to make his senior debut for Betis after all. But he does come with some good references.

Having already trained with the La Liga side’s senior team, manager Manuel Pellegrini said this about him, again via AS.

“All of the players who really stand out for the reserves and/or youth teams are usually called to take part in the pre-season with the first team squad,” Pellegrini said.

“Assane has had a good season, playing in various different positions.”

It’s noted that having initially been a midfielder, Diao has now moved further up the pitch. Nominally now a left-winger, he’s also apparently tried his hand as a striker, too.

For the moment, the Senegal born youngster is away with Spain’s U19 side for the U19 Euros in Malta.

Perhaps it’s worth tuning in with the hope of catching a glimpse of a player who sounds like he could be on Liverpool’s radar.