Real Madrid's Denis Cheryshev open to irresistable offer as Liverpool seeks Raheem Sterling replacement

Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev has claimed that following a season loan at Villarreal "his first intention" will be to remain at the Madrigal although he admits the temptation to make a move to a bigger club should an "irresistible" offer come through - after reports in Spain recently claimed Liverpool want him to replace Raheem Sterling.

AS claimed last week that the Merseysiders had indeed already "made moves" to sign the 24-year-old Russian international and are willing to offer around €20m (£14.5 $22.2m) to secure his services after he has proven to be a sensation at the Madrigal stadium this season, scoring 7 goals and providing 11 assists.

The Spanish publication added that "the player will relish the idea of playing in a competition like the Premier League" and that Los Blancos wouldn't oppose his departure due to the huge competence in Rafa Benitez's squad.

Cheryshev has now claimed that until now "everything are rumours" and that unless an "irresistible" offer arrives his first intention will be to make a move to Villarreal – either with another loan agreement or on permanent basis.

"The holidays are imminent and we will see whether there are (some offers) or not. If no 'irresistible' offer comes through, then my first option would be to stay with Villarreal. I'm convinced that in terms of professional set up and sporting ambition, this club is way ahead of many others", he said, according to AS.

"But now everything are rumours, no more no less. I know that if I stay with Villarreal, I'll be extremely happy, as I have been to date.

The Russian international confirms that Villarreal manager Marcelino Garcia Toral is likely to keep him at the Madrigal but insists that Real Madrid now have the key on his future.

"I have no idea as to what is going to happen. I've spoken to Marcelino and he confirmed that Villarreal hope to have my services next season but that's all. I don't know where I'll be next season," he said.

"My future affects several parties, so it is not something easy. I must return to Real Madrid and they are the ones that have to make the first decision [on whether to keep me or selling me]. And once Real Madrid decide we will see what happen."