Saturday, August 14, 2010

Liverpool Confirmed With Madrid In Race For Belgian Starlet

Liverpool has joined Europe's elite in the race to sign Belgian starlet Romelu Lukaku.

The Anderlecht teenager has been earning rave reviews after scoring 15 goals in 25 Belgian First Division last season, and Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson appears to have taken an interest in the player after quotes from his representative.

"None of the clubs have contacted us or Anderlecht lately, but I know that Real came to see Romelu a few times and the interest is there," Christophe Henrotay told De Standaard.

"There is also interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and all the great European clubs, but it's too soon."

The Daily Mail reports that Lukaku has snubbed an approach from Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, and Henrotay hinted that his client would be happy to spend more time with the Champions playing first team football.

"The ideal scenario for Romelu is to stay at Anderlecht this year and play in the Champions League. Romelu shouldn't be in any rush."

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba urged the African-born 17-year-old to join the Blues as recently as last month, but any immediate move appears to have stalled.

The level of interest from new Reds boss Roy Hodgson is unknown, but the Anfield club is keen to strengthen their attacking line before the summer transfer window closes at the end of this month. No club has made a concrete move for the player yet, as confirmed by the club.

"We haven't received any concrete bids for Romelu," said manager Herman Van Holsbeeck.

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