LIVERPOOL HAVE CONTINUED strengthening their squad with the loan signing of Atletico Madrid full-back Javier Manquillo.

Manquillo is believed to have moved to Anfield for the next two seasons, with Liverpool retaining the right to buy the Spain Under-20 international permanently at the end of the upcoming campaign.

A statement released on the Premier League runners-up’s official website read: “Liverpool FC have today completed the loan signing of Spanish youth international Javier Manquillo from La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

“An athletic right-back, the 20-year-old’s career began at academy level with Real Madrid before a switch to Atletico in 2007, while Manquillo has represented his country at various youth levels.”

Speaking about the move, Manquillo expressed his delight at joining Liverpool and cannot wait to get going at Anfield.

“I’m very happy to have signed for a club like Liverpool. I think it’s one of the biggest in Europe – any footballer would want to come and play here,” he said.

“When they tell you Liverpool want to sign you, I think like any player, you are going to be absolutely amazed and you don’t think of anything else than going straight there.”

Manquillo becomes Brendan Rodgers’ seventh new recruit of a busy close-season, with the 20-year-old following Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Lazar Markovic, Divock Origi and Dejan Lovren into the club.

He made just seven appearances in all competitions for Atletico last season, but is expected to compete with Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique, Jon Flanagan and compatriot Alberto Moreno – who is reported to be close to joining from Sevilla – for a first-team berth at Liverpool.

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