Sevilla sporting director: Liverpool’s move for Alberto Moreno is off

Liverpool fail to meet the transfer fee for Alberto Moreno

Sevilla’s sporting director Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo has said that Liverpool’s long-mooted deal for Alberto Moreno is now off, according to the Liverpool Echo.

He believes that Brendan Rodgers’ target will now stay put at Sevilla after the two clubs failed to agree a transfer fee for the talented left-back.

Liverpool made a bid of £16 million for the Spanish star last month, but Sevilla were content to hold out for £20 million for the player.

The Anfield club remain keen to do a deal for Moreno, but Verdejo has said that no move will be discussed until Liverpool are willing to meet Sevilla’s asking price.

The sale of Ivan Rakitic to Barcelona has seemingly made the move more complex for Liverpool, with Sevilla no longer needing the money from any sort of transfer deal. Liverpool have turned their attentions to other full-back targets in recent weeks, with Real Madrid’s Marcelo one potential signing.

The Sporting Director stated:

“The matter of Alberto is practically settled. We couldn’t reach an agreement and I don’t think it can be revived,” he said.

“It was a great offer, but the player is only 21 years old and it’s possible that the catharsis of being with the national team had a positive effect.

“He has a lot of room to grow and the coach is very happy to have him. I don’t think we’ll make a lot of moves, but if on August 14 a club comes along and they give you a mountain of cash, well….I know you don’t like to hear it, but we are economic managers.

“My feeling is that the negotiations are paralysed and I don’t see any hint that they will be restarted. We put a price on our players which we believe to be appropriate. Whoever wants to buy, can buy, and if you can’t…

“Also, with the sale of (Ivan) Rakitic, our needs were covered. We don’t have the burden we had at other times.”