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Liverpool 'will sign Alberto Moreno' despite Chelesea interest but must up £16m bid
LIVERPOOL are closing in on the signing of Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno - despite interest from Chelsea - but will need to up their initial £16m bid to land their man.
Brendan Rodgers last week offered Sevilla £16m plus the loan signing of Spanish youngster Suso to land Moreno.
But reports in Spain suggest that Sevilla's sporting director Monchi has no interest in Suso.
While Monchi is willing to let Moreno leave but is asking Liverpool to meet the club's original £18m asking price.
Indeed, Sevilla reportedly believe that Liverpool's offer somewhat overvalues Moreno's abilities but wants the full amount to enable him to strengthen his own squad this summer.
Monchi wants Liverpool to up their bid for Alberto Moreno
And if Liverpool refuse to play ball then Chelsea could swoop.
Jose Mourinho has targeted a new left-back following Ashley Cole's departure and has lined up Atletico Madrid's Filipe Luis as his first choice.
But Chelsea had Moreno watched several times throughout last season and could yet rekindle their interest in the 21-year-old if talks over Luis stall.
It now remains to be seen whether Liverpool are really willing to risk missing out on a target over £2m and whether Chelsea up the pressure on the Anfield club if talks with Atletico hit a snag.