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Alberto Moreno will still be the prime prospect for many, but news just ahead of Liverpool's friendly against AC Milan out of Spain will still be encouraging---the club have reportedly completed a loan-to-buy deal for Atletico Madrid's young right-back Javier Manquillo. Liverpool's interest went public late last week, and with Ian Ayre traveling to Spain this weekend, the deal was finalized quickly.
Manquillo will compete for a spot immediately, with Glen Johnson failing to convince over the latter half of last season and sentiment remaining largely negative toward his future this summer. In the link above Chris Bascombe notes that Johnson is likely to stick around for the 2014-2015 campaign, but I'd imagine his spot is far from secure, especially if the transfer of Moreno is settled. That leaves Moreno and Jose Enrique on the left, Jon Flanagan as adaptable and stable, Manquillo the new blood, and Johnson needing to prove himself in the final year of his contract.
Counting chickens and all that, but in the span of a few days Liverpool could secure the signatures--maybe only temporary in the case of Manquillo, whose deal includes a buy-back option for Atletico after the two years is up--of two of Spain's more promising fullbacks. That's an awfully promising prospect, and one that will allow the club to move on to bolstering their ranks up top over the summer's final few weeks.
The 20-year-old will have his medical at Melwood on Monday ahead of the deal being finalized, and later in the day Liverpool will face Manchester United in the final of the Champions Cup in Miami.
**Addendum: James Pearce is reporting that Liverpool will have the option to purchase next summer at a price of £5m, with no word as to whether or not Atletico's buy-back will still apply at that point.**
