Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone “could give the green light” to Liverpool signing Marcos Llorente, according to Fichajes.net.

The Spanish website claims that the Reds have made the 27-year-old a priority target to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window shuts.

Llorente was linked with Chelsea earlier in the summer, with reports suggesting that the Blues were close to agreeing a fee in the region of €60m (£50.6m) for the player.

That indicates that Jurgen Klopp’s side would need a similar fee to tempt Atletico into selling the Spanish international ahead of deadline day next week.

It remains to be seen whether these claims are accurate. Llorente only signed a new contract last summer and he is still a key player for Simeone, having started Atletico’s first two matches this season.

However, the fact that they were willing to negotiate with Chelsea suggests the La Liga club may be open to a sale at the right price.