Liverpool Transfer News: Theo Hernandez Scouted Amid Real Madrid Rumours

Liverpool have sent scouts to watch 19-year-old Spanish left-back Theo Hernandez but will have to battle with Real Madrid for his signature, per Ed Malyon for The Independent.

Hernandez, on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid, has impressed in La Liga this season, but could leave Spain in the summer thanks to a £20.5 million release clause in his contract.

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly in the market for a new left-back to replace Alberto Moreno, who is playing second fiddle to James Milner. Hernandez, the younger sibling of Atleti's Lucas, would most likely take a back-up role at Anfield as he continues his development.

The Frenchman has played 24 league matches for Alaves in his breakthrough season, contributing three assists and helping his team reach the Copa del Rey final. They will play Barcelona at the Vicente Calderon on May 27.

Dave Thompson/Associated Press

Jurgen Klopp's pursuit of Hernandez could be scuppered by either of Madrid's two most famous clubs. Zinedine Zidane is known to be interested in his services after speaking openly about the 19-year-old on Tuesday, although he remained coy about a future bid.

"Theo is a good player," he said in his press conference, per Stefan Coerts for Goal. "No doubt about that. But nothing else. I am focused on what I must do with my players, nothing else."

It is unusual for players to transfer across Madrid, as Yahoo Sports writer Andrew Gaffney points out on Twitter:

And Diego Simeone may be hoping to make Hernandez a part of his Atleti squad next season, having acknowledged that Hernandez is playing very well at Alaves.

"I always wish our players the best," Simeone said in his post-match press conference on Tuesday. "When the season is over, we will start to get into those type of things. I spoke with Theo a month or so ago. We know what we said to each other."

Atleti's Filipe Luis and Real's Marcelo are two of the best-performing left-backs in Spanish football, and so Hernandez may not secure first-team football for either in 2017-18. Another loan deal is also an option, and given the quality of his performances, it would be no surprise if Alaves attempt to extend his stay at the club.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Liverpool's reported search for a left-back goes wider than Hernandez, however. Klopp is also interested in Real Betis' Riza Durmisi, who has a release clause of £17 million, per Simon Jones for the Daily Mail.

It would appear that Milner, despite his brilliant performances, will face sterner competition for a place in the first team next campaign. But Liverpool's hunt for a new left-back will not come easy; if they want to compete for the Premier League title in the near future, they will have to get used to fighting off the likes of Real Madrid for the next big thing.

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