Liverpool set-up for transfer battle with Real Madrid, Klopp could be pivotal

According to Spanish daily newspaper Marca, Real Madrid have joined the race to sign young Anderlecht star Youri Tielemans.

The 18-year-old midfielder is already wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and, Marca say, Tielemans is a high priority signing for Real Madrid in the summer. The La Liga giants failed to sign Rodrigo Betancur, and want to make up for it by signing Tielemans.

The Belgian midfielder has also been linked to several Premier League sides, and most recently to Liverpool. It was reported Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Tielemans since his days at Borussia Dortmund, and might want to sign him at Liverpool.

Marca say Atletico Madrid and Juventus have already sent officials to Belgium to open negotiations for Tielemans, but nothing has been agreed yet, as the player wants to wait for the right time to switch clubs.

It'll be difficult for Liverpool to compete against the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus to sign the highly rated midfielder, but the prospect of playing under Jurgen Klopp and regular playing time might be tempting for Tielemans.