Liverpool made two enquiries for Real Madrid forward Mariano during the January transfer window, reports Spanish publication AS.
According to their report, which we’re not entirely sure is genuine in truth, Liverpool asked the Spanish behemoths about the availability of the 23-year-old Dominican, who’s notched five goals in all competitions for Zinedine Zidane’s men this campaign.
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Mariano wanted to stay at the Bernabeu and continue in his backup role, with Real Madrid leading La Liga and contenders for the Champions League, however.
Up to ten clubs, including Frankfurt and Betis, asked Real to loan the striker, but Mariano’s objections stopped a deal taking place.
Now Sadio Mane is back from the AFCON and available, Liverpool will deploy a front-three of the Senegalese flyer, Coutinho and Roberto Firmino – meaning we’ll have Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi on the bench…
For this reason, we can’t imagine we really did go in for a centre-forward, unless there was a genuine possibility of Sturridge departing on loan.
The Irons were interested, but nothing materialised and the the Englishman will have to content himself with a backup role until the summer, when he may seek a permanent move.
It’s only then that Liverpool may enter the market for a striker, in our eyes.