Echo: Agent claims move for striker

Liverpool have expressed interest in Villareal striker Luciano Vietto, his agent has claimed.

The Argentinian has scored 18 times his season and delivered six assists, regularly impressing with his performances for the sixth placed La Liga club.

The 21-year-old's agent Jorge Cysterpiller said the Reds are interested in signing Vietto but suggested other clubs including Real Madrid are also involved in the chase.

Quoted in Spanish paper AS, Cysterpiller said: "We know that a lot of big clubs are watching Luciano Vietto. There is a lot of competition for him.

"He could sign for Liverpool, we know that he is admired by the Reds, as well as Real Madrid and two Bundesliga clubs. I think he could leave Villarreal in the summer."

Vietto has made 31 appearances in La Liga and the Europa League for the Yellow Submarine, with another four Copa del Rey run-outs, and fees of around £12m have been suggested as realistic to secure his services going forward.

The ECHO reported yesterday that the player himself had also spoken to AS about the possibility of a move.

He said: "If these great teams come forward and make an offer we'll see. The offer would first have to be very good, but it would be very good for me and good for Villarreal."

Vietto only joined the Spaniards in August last year on a five-year deal from Argentina's Racing Club where Diego Simeone gave him his debut.

Villarreal are enjoying a fine season and are through to the last 16 of the Europa League (drawn against Sevilla) and the Copa del Rey semi-final where they will face Barcelona.

Source: Liverpool Echo