The highly-rated midfielder has been seeing regular game time with the Blancos of late, but admits that he still has an important decision to make
Marcos Llorente is ready to make a Christmas call on his Real Madrid future amid reports linking him with Liverpool and Arsenal.
The talented 23-year-old is a product of a famed academy system in the Spanish capital.
He was handed a competitive debut in October 2015, but has struggled for regular outings since then – with the 2016-17 campaign spent on loan at Alaves.
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Fierce competition for places in Madrid has sparked talk of a possible move elsewhere, with Premier League eyes said to be locked on Llorente.
He admits that he has an important decision to make heading towards the January transfer window, even after figuring in each of Real’s last four fixtures across all competitions.
Llorente told reporters after helping the Blancos to a 1-0 win over Huesca: “If a few months ago you’d said to me that I was going to play four games in a row, I wouldn’t have believed it.
“I was in a difficult position, I wasn’t expecting to play against Roma but you’ve got to take advantage of your opportunities.
“We all want to play and I’ve always said that I want to be successful here so I’m going to fight for my place – and make the boss realise that he can count on me.
“At Christmas I’ll talk to the club to decide what’s best for me.”
Llorente has forced his way into Santiago Solari’s plans following an unfortunate injury to team-mate Casemiro.
Madrid have needed somebody else to step up in the middle of the park, and a home-grown performer has been offered the opportunity to do just that.
He has impressed so far, but it remains to be seen what his long-term future holds and whether big-money bids from afar could force Real’s hand during the winter window.