Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Brazilian maestro who has a "great desire" to play for Jurgen Klopp's side

Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, according to Fabrizio Romano

Gomes, who once declared he had a great desire to play for the Merseyside club, has excelled for the Brazilian side since breaking into the team in 2020, making 101 appearances in all competitions despite having only turned 21 in February.

The holding midfielder’s outstanding form has sparked interest from a host of European clubs, including Liverpool, who have been rumoured to have been considering making a move for him this January.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed this interest on Caught Offside: “Liverpool have monitored Gomes with their scouts as many other top European clubs did, at the moment there’s nothing else to the story, no official bid or negotiation. 

“I think he’s a very good player but he needs some steps before being ready for Liverpool level.”

The Reds have found themselves in something of a midfield crisis at the start of this new season, with several of their senior options in the position suffering from injuries.

This issue forced the club’s hierarchy into a late move for Juventus’ Arthur Melo, who arrived at Anfield on a season long-loan on deadline day.

However, no decision has been made yet on whether Arthur will be signed permanently and many feel the 26-year-old will not be the long-term solution.

The Merseyside club are expected to make a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham next summer as they look to revamp their ageing midfield.

The likes of Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all on the wrong side of 30, while Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contracts expire this summer. 

While Bellingham may be seen as the marquee target, more than one new addition in this department will be required, and Jurgen Klopp may view someone of Gomes’ profile as the ideal long-term replacement for Fabinho, who turns 29 next month.

Gomes is a tenacious ball winner who is also excellent in possession, so would provide a lot of the qualities that Fabinho currently does to this Liverpool team.