Real Madrid plot £40m move for Liverpool favourite potentially triggering huge swap deal

Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a £40m move for Liverpool defender Andy Robertson – which could trigger a sensational swap deal involving Vinicius Jr.

Real are in the market for a new left-back this summer with France international Ferland Mendy set to depart following an injury-plagued spell at the Bernabeu. According to the Daily Mail, Robertson is on the club’s list of potential replacements.

While there is no indication the Scot is keen to leave Anfield, where he is a first-team regular, Real can offer something Liverpool can’t – Champions League football. The Reds could also see it as a chance to boost their coffers as part of Jurgen Klopp’s squad overhaul following a disappointing campaign for the Merseyside giants.

READ MORE: Vinicius Jr’s red card rescinded as Valencia fans slapped with ban over racist abuse

And according to reports in Spain, Liverpool are one of three clubs interested in signing Real superstar Vinicius Jr, who is pondering his future in Spain after being the subject of vile racist abuse, most recently at Valencia last weekend.

The Brazilian has released a passionate statement about the abuse, saying Spanish football “belongs to racists”. He added: “I’m so sorry but today, in Brazil, Spain is known as a country of racists.”

While he has received widespread support from around the country, La Liga chief Javier Tebas has provoked further outrage by criticising Vinicius.

Andy Robertson in action for Liverpool against Real Madrid

(Image: Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Tebas wrote: “Since those who should not explain to you what it is and what LaLiga can do in cases of racism, we have tried to explain it to you.

“But you have not shown up for either of the two agreed dates that you requested yourself. Before criticising and insulting La Liga, it is necessary that you inform yourself properly.”

Vinicius blasted back: “Once again, instead of criticising racists, the president of La Liga appears on social media to attack me. As much as you talk and pretend not to read, the image of your championship is shaken. See the responses to your posts and have a surprise.

Would you like to see Vinicius Jr in the Premier League? Tell us in the comments section

Racist abuse from Valencia fans was pointed out by Vinicius Jr during the fixture at the weekend

(Image: Twitter @vinijr)

“Omitting yourself only makes you equal to racists. I’m not your friend to talk about racism. I want actions and punishments. Your hashtag doesn’t move me.”

The spat has fuelled rumours the 22-year-old could quit Spain for the Premier League, the only league where clubs could afford his reputed £100m fee and £360,000 per week wages.

Spanish outlet fichajes.net reports that Manchester United and Newcastle United, along with Liverpool, are among the club to have already shown an interest in Vinicius. In Liverpool’s case, they would probably have to sell to afford such a fee. The likely lack of Champions League football could also count against them.

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