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Javier Manquillo Liverpool loan deal ends early, returning to Atletico Madrid

Javier Manquillo has returned to Atletico Madrid after his two-year loan deal at Liverpool was terminated 12 months early.

Atletico have confirmed that they recalled the defender because he was not getting enough games in England. They now intend to send him out on loan elsewhere this coming season.

Liverpool had wanted to end the loan early, but needed Atletico's agreement to make that happen.

Manquillo, 21, played 16 times for Liverpool during the first half of last season following his arrival, but made just three appearances for the Reds in 2015 -- none of them in the Premier League.

A statement on Atletico's website read: "Javier Manquillo will not fulfil his second season on loan with Liverpool.

"The player and Atletico Madrid decided that the player would go to Anfield for two seasons to enjoy the necessary minutes to continue growing football-wise.

"However, in this first season with the Reds, the defender has not had all the minutes he and our club consider necessary for that purpose of accumulating experiences in his sports growth."