Villarreal turned down a Liverpool bid for phenom Samuel Chukwueze during last month’s transfer window, according to a report.
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France Football says that Liverpool bid $38 million for Chukwueze in January, a figure just under half of his reported $71 million release clause.
Chukwueze, 20, features as a right wing but can play across the front three. He is a member of the Golden Boy Award short list.
The report mentions that Liverpool insured their left wing with Takumi Minamino and has center forward depth with Divock Origi, but wanted Chukwueze as insurance for Mohamed Salah.
Chukwueze has four goals and four assists in 26 matches this season, averaging 1.5 shots, 1.2 key passes, and 1.8 successful dribbles per La Liga outing.
The Nigerian international has 12 caps, his two goals coming across his last seven appearances for the Super Eagles.
Chelsea also had rumored interested in Chukwueze.