Atletico Madrid's Javier Manquillo Completes Loan Move To Liverpool

Liverpool have announced the signing of Atletico Madrid right-back Javier Manquillo on a two-season loan.

The 20-year-old defender will be Brendan Rodgers’ seventh signing of the summer after Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Dejan Lovren and Divock Origi (who was immediately loaned back out to Lille).

Manquillo underwent a medical on Merseyside earlier this week and finalized his move from the La Liga champions today. Reports suggest that the loan move can be made permanent by Liverpool for a fee of around £5 million, should the defender settle in nicely with the English club.

The right-back has played for Spain’s youth teams with his latest appearances being with his country’s Under-21 squad.

Manquillo is a highly regarded player in Spain, but was stuck playing being first-choice selection Juanfran at Atletico Madrid. And his minutes would have been more reduced this season with the champions of Spain signing Zenit St. Petersburg defender Cristian Ansaldi last week.

It is believed that Manquillo will be challenging for playing time at Anfield this season, once he becomes familiar with Brendan Rodgers’ system.

In other Liverpool news, reports are suggesting that the club is on the verge of signing Alberto Moreno from Sevilla.

Rodgers has been tracking the player since before the World Cup, but it is understood that Liverpool have been balking at Sevilla’s £20 million valuation of the defender.

Speculation is the Spanish club has lowered it’s asking price and would be willing to accept an offer of £16million.

There are conflicting reports in England, some suggesting the deal is done and others saying the deal in close to completion.