Liverpool's hopes of bringing Endrick to Merseyside have effectively been ended after Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho made his intentions clear: the 20-year-old is going nowhere.

ESPN Brazil had reported that Liverpool were among several clubs tracking Endrick as a potential replacement for the injured Hugo Ekitike, who is expected to miss the bulk of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in the UEFA Champions League last term.

Mourinho shuts the door

Mourinho was unequivocal in his support for the Brazilian forward, who joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras at 18 before spending time on loan at Lyon. "I didn't want to loan him out or sell him because I enjoy working with this young player who possesses significant talent," the Real Madrid manager was quoted as saying by Spanish outlet El Desmarque.

Mourinho also acknowledged the wider interest in Endrick, adding: "He is a player I like very much, one who has attracted interest from many clubs wanting him either on loan or via a permanent transfer." Despite that attention, the Portuguese manager has made clear the forward will remain at the Bernabeu, where he has been handed the no. 9 shirt for the new campaign.

Liverpool's frontline search continues

Andoni Iraola's side are still seeking to add to their attacking options before the transfer window closes. Liverpool's current centre-forward options include Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, with Gakpo attracting interest from other clubs in recent weeks.

Liverpool were previously linked with Yan Diomande, who ultimately signed for Real Madrid from RB Leipzig in a nine-figure deal, before the club shifted focus towards Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh — both of whom could yet move to Merseyside ahead of the deadline.

Liverpool face Nottingham Forest next weekend when Premier League action resumes.