Liverpool explored a move for Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio during the summer transfer window, but the 23 year old ultimately decided to remain at the Bernabéu and continue his pursuit of regular first team football.

According to MARCA , which reported the details of Asencio’s decision, the defender had multiple opportunities to leave Real Madrid, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the clubs to register an interest. A further proposal arrived from Turkey, with the financial terms reportedly substantial.

Asencio, however, was not persuaded that leaving Madrid represented the right step for his career.

Liverpool were assessing their defensive options during the summer and made an approach for Asencio as part of that process. The interest is significant given the changes taking place within the Reds’ squad under newly appointed head coach Andoni Iraola.

Asencio’s position at Real Madrid had looked uncertain following the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, who joined the Spanish club after leaving Liverpool when his contract at Anfield expired.

That development increased competition in Madrid’s central defensive positions and raised questions over where Asencio would fit into the first team picture.

MARCA reports that as many as three offers were presented to the young defender during the summer. Liverpool and Chelsea were among those clubs, while the Turkish proposal also provided Asencio with an alternative.

The decision ultimately came down to Asencio’s belief that his opportunity at Real Madrid had not disappeared.