Liverpool are claimed to have failed in a move for Martin Odegaard last year.
Odegaard had attracted interest from Anfield as well as both Manchester United and Manchester City prior to joining Real Madrid at the age of 16.
Despite his feted arrival, the Norway international has struggled for a first-team place at the Bernabeu and has spent the past three seasons on loan.
He is currently plying his trade at fellow La Liga outfit Real Sociedad and previously had spells with Eredivisie sides Heerenveen and Vitesse Arnhem.
Ex-Vitesse coach Leonid Slutsky has revealed that Liverpool were among the clubs fighting for Odegaard’s signature on loan at the start of the season.
“His time at Vitesse has been very important,” said Slutsky.
“He became one of the best players in the Eredivisie and had many offers in his pocket. Not only from Real Sociedad, but also from Liverpool and Ajax.
“It is an honour to have had a share in Martin’s growth as a footballer.”