Liverpool target's manager issues snappy response after '£30m bid made'

Valencia manager Ruben Baraja issued a snappy response when asked to comment on Liverpool’s reported interest in Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Reds are said to be keen on signing a new goalkeeper, with Alisson Becker now the wrong side of 30 and Caoimhin Kelleher facing an uncertain future.

Mamardashvili is thought to have emerged as a top target for Liverpool with Arne Slot believed to be a keen admirer of the 23-year-old. It has been reported that a bid in the region of £30million has already been made with Valencia mulling over whether to accept it or demand more money.

Baraja was quizzed on those rumours ahead of Valencia’s opening game of the La Liga season and made it clear that he was not prepared to entertain the idea of losing Mamardashvili with nothing set in stone.

“It is very simple, as long as there is nothing, I am not going to evaluate it,” he said. “I am not talking about hypotheses. He has a contract with Valencia and, as long as there is no different situation, he is our player.

“He is ready to participate in tomorrow’s game. He is prepared to compete, when things happen, we will talk when they happen.”

Mamardashvili is said to have trained with Valencia this week, with his departure not yet imminent in spite of Liverpool’s efforts to sign him. In the event of a successful move, he would reportedly be loaned out for his first season before returning to Anfield in the summer of 2025.

It has been claimed that Valencia would be keen on taking him back on loan, whereas Liverpool would prefer him to join a Premier League club to get him used to English football. Bournemouth have already been touted as a possible destination but it remains to be seen where he will end up over the coming weeks.

Mamardashvili is said to be keen on moving to the Premier League and reportedly wants to take what he feels would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He rejected an approach from a Saudi Pro League side earlier this summer in favour of remaining with Valencia but is thought to be excited about the prospect of playing in England.

Liverpool are yet to make any summer signings with Arne Slot still waiting to add to his squad following his arrival on Merseyside. They were recently linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but that deal is thought to be off with the player having turned down the opportunity to join the Reds.