Real Madrid looking to raid Liverpool for £43.7m star who Klopp has admitted is unhappy

Real Madrid are considering a move for Liverpool midfielder Fabinho despite his dramatic drop in form this season, it has been claimed.

Fabinho, 29, has been a key player for Jurgen Klopp ever since joining Liverpool in a £43.7m move from Monaco in 2018.

He has helped the Reds win the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup, FA Cup and League Cup during his time on Merseyside.

But the Brazilian has struggled this season, losing his place in the team at one point to 18-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.

Speaking after his decision to drop Fabinho, Klopp said the midfielder would have to work hard to regain his spot in midfield.

"He knows that he's not flying and has to work his way back, that's how it is," Klopp said.

"He's not the happiest person on the planet, but he understands the decision obviously," the German added.

Real Madrid linked with Fabinho

Fabinho is under contract with Liverpool until 2026 and the Premier League club could look to cash in on him this summer.

Spanish publication Fichajes claim Liverpool's Champions League opponents Real Madrid are considering an approach for the Brazilian.

Carlo Ancelotti is keen to add more depth to his midfield and sees Fabinho as a potential option.

Madrid have also been strongly linked with Liverpool target Jude Bellingham but a recent report from The Athletic has claimed Real after unlikely to be able to afford the Borussia Dortmund midfielder this summer.

Fabinho briefly played for Real Madrid early on his career.

While he was at Portuguese side Rio Ave, he was sent on loan to Real Madrid Castilla for the 2012-13 season.

He later made one appearance for Madrid's senior team, playing 14 minutes a 6-2 La Liga win over Malaga in 2013.

Fabinho would later join Monaco on loan for two seasons before making the move permanent in 2015.