Liverpool Transfer News: Alvaro Morata Staying Put, Fernando Llorente Rumours

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has diverted his attention toward Turin in an attempt to sign attacking reinforcements this summer, but the Reds have received mixed news on Juventus pair Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express), Morata emphasised just how much he's enjoying his time with the Bianconeri.

"I’m working hard [to get into the Spain squad], it’s my objective," Morata said. "A call-up to any squad is special. There’s nothing better. I have a contract with Juventus, I’m happy here and only thinking about the black and white. I’m not thinking about anything else. I don’t care [about any clauses in my contract]."

The clause Morata refers to is the £25 million buy-back stipulation included in his deal upon moving to Juventus for a fee of €20 million last summer.

However, as David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com explains, Real aren't permitted to activate the clause this summer, leaving the likes of Liverpool with a better chance of making their own offer:

After finding something of a foothold within Massimiliano Allegri's ranks of late, one can understand why the 22-year-old would be eager to wash away any talk of a Turin exit.

Morata recently made back-to-back Serie A starts for just the second time in his career and scored in both outings against Milan and Cesena, repaying some of the manager's faith in his ability.

Massimo Pinca/Associated Press

In the absence of Daniel Sturridge, Rodgers' side was being linked with a long line of forwards this past winter, but the England international's recent return has eased its scoring burden up front.

Kris Voakes of Goal.com recently argued that Morata is assuredly the right Spaniard to start in Allegri's team alongside star striker Carlos Tevez:

As Voakes hints, Llorente's time in Italy has been far from as prolific as Juve would have hoped since moving on a free transfer from Athletic Bilbao last summer.

This has led to reports the soon-to-be 30-year-old could leave the club this summer, with Italian broadcaster RAI (h/t Short of the Daily Express) suggesting Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to land his services.

Fabrizio Giovannozzi/Associated Press

Liverpool are reported alongside Atletico Madrid and Arsenal as some of the Spanish international's other suitors, a price tag of £16 million being quoted.

With only four goals in 20 Serie A appearances, Llorente's form has led both Amoyal and Voakes to illustrate just how far down the pecking order he's fallen:

Bleacher Report's Adam Digby also provides a statistical look at the forward's form following a recent outing against Parma:

Llorente's figure would represent a significant contrast to Morata in terms of the type of striker Liverpool would be recruiting, more akin to Rickie Lambert than Sturridge or Mario Balotelli.

However, Rodgers may yet decide he sees value in the centre-forward, who scored 16 goals and made five assists during his first campaign with Juventus, per Transfermarkt.

With Divock Origi poised to arrive at Anfield following his season-long loan at Lille, however, it's unclear as to how the Reds can invest up front—or at least until they sell off some of their existing talent.

Bleacher Report's Alex Dimond recently pointed out Liverpool as one of the clubs who would regret not pulling off any transfer coups during the winter window:

Allegri is likely to prioritise Morata as the more promising asset he will look to keep hold of this summer should any European suitors come knocking.

Both he and Llorente look likely to be heavily linked with departures from the Old Lady at the end of this campaign, and the Reds are understandably interested in offering the pair alternative avenues.