Liverpool could be set to miss out on around £20m if a former player signs a new contact.

As the ECHO reported at the time, a Michael Edwards masterstroke saw a clause inserted in the deal that took Luis Alberto to Lazio back in 2016.

The Reds managed to secure a 30% sell-on fee arrangement for the midfielder’s next move.

Alberto, now 27, has been in stellar form in Serie A this season.

The Spaniard has laid on 12 assists and notched four goals in 25 league appearances.

And the rumour mill has suggested he is catching the eye of European giants – including some sides in the Premier League.

Reports emerging from Italy had claimed his current club were desperately trying to tie him down to a new deal in the face of suitors circling.

The speculation indicated that Lazio would demand around £69m for his services should Alberto not commit his future to the Stadio Olimpico.

A departure for that kind of amount could have seen Liverpool net more than £20m.

But now such a windfall appears unlikely – with suggestions that Alberto is about to put pen to paper and extend his stay in Rome.

Spanish publication MARCA spoke to Alvaro Torres, director of the agency which apparently represents Alberto.

Despite the suspension of football, Torres said he was keeping busy and was in “daily contact” with players and clubs.

And on Alberto’s situation specifically, he added: “Last year [Alberto] was one of the best players in Serie A and this year he’s the best.

“We’re happy and speaking to him a lot and want to agree a [contract] renewal.”

Alberto was originally signed by Liverpool from Sevilla, for a fee of £6.8m in 2013.

The deal that took him to Lazio was for around £4.3m plus add-ons – including the crucial clause.