Arne Slot might be about to miss out on a key Liverpool target to Atletico Madrid (Image: Getty)
Liverpool target David Hancko’s agent has revealed that Atletico Madrid is the player’s preferred destination. Hancko shone for Arne Slot’s Feyenoord last season and has interest from several European clubs.
The defender has been linked with Liverpool, West Ham and Aston Villa. However, it is La Liga outfit Atletico who have made the most effort to sign the Slovakia international, who is currently at Euro 2024.
It raises the question as to whether Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes needs to ramp up his efforts to sign the 26-year-old, should Arne Slot want a reunion at Anfield next season.
“I have to say that, of all the clubs that are currently interested in David, Atletico is in first place for us,” agent Branislav Jasurek told Slovakian publication RTVS.
“Others are more like conversations. Some are friendly because we’ve known each other for a long time. Some are new. At this point, nothing has come up that David is thinking about it more than Atletico. The second thing is that it is not yet a completed transfer.
“Both David and I like (the idea of joining Diego Simeone’s side). But they will decide in Feyenoord.”
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Atletico lead the race. However, reports of a £40million release clause have been rubbished by Jasurek.
He added: “David doesn’t have a release clause. That would be easier. The talk of 40 to 50 million is overblown.”
It is claimed that Liverpool are yet to make an offer for Hancko, who won the Eredivisie title with Feyenoord in 2022-23 and played 34 times in the Dutch top-flight last term. Hancko has previously admitted to being a Liverpool fan and could therefore be swayed into joining the Merseysiders if they make an offer.
David Hancko has admitted he’s a Liverpool fan but could join Atletico Madrid over the Reds (Image: Getty)
“I probably watch the English Premier League the most, so [moving there] would be my dream,” Hancko told Slovakian publication Aktuality Sport.
“And the club? My role model has always been David Beckham, but I was most drawn to Liverpool.
“It started with the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul, which my parents let me watch until the end. I didn’t have to go to bed even though there was extra time! And then Martin Skrtel came. Since then, I’ve been a Liverpool fan.”
Slot is yet to make his first signing since becoming Liverpool head coach. The Reds are expected to conduct a busy summer of activity.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1914902/Liverpool-Atletico-Madrid-Richard-Hughes