During the final week of the transfer window, Real Madrid were reportedly running the risk of losing Federico Valverde. The star midfielder was courted by Premier League giants Liverpool, who had become desperate to sign a midfielder late in the market.

There were even suggestions of Liverpool making a record transfer bid of around £80 million (€93 million) to Real Madrid for the services of Valverde on deadline day.

However, according to 90 Min, sources from both the clubs have played down such suggestions. Liverpool had made no official attempts to sign Valverde on deadline day, though they remain very much interested in the player.

The Uruguayan international is indeed one of the players being closely followed by the Liverpool hierarchy as the midfielder has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence in recent years.

Having featured in 155 competitive matches for Los Blancos, Valverde is regarded as the future of the Real Madrid midfield, especially with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric currently in the final phase of their respective careers.

Although there is significant competition within the midfield ranks at Madrid, many expect Valverde to become the face of the club’s second line of press in the years to come.

His importance in the team has been evident in the current season as well, with the player notably starring in the recent win over Mallorca, scoring a wonderful goal in the first half.

The report from 90 Min suggests Liverpool had only made last-minute contacts with intermediaries, exploring the possibility of a move, with there being no direct contact between the two clubs.

While the Reds may try to get their hands on Valverde in the future, Real Madrid are confident of keeping hold of the 24-year-old.

The midfielder, after all, still has five years remaining on his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu. The value of his release clause also stands at a whopping €1 billion, meaning interested parties such as Liverpool may have to splash a fortune if they are to attain his services anytime soon.