Liverpool are preparing a bid for Santos forward Marcos Leonardo, according to Bolavip.
The Brazilian outlet claim that the Reds are looking to further strengthen their attacking options this summer, after already signing Darwin Nunez from Benfica for up to £85 million.
The Merseyside club have identified 19-year-old starlet Leonardo, who is one of the hottest rising prospects in Brazil and is the subject of interest from many top European outfits.
The report suggests that Liverpool were mainly interested in Palmeiras youngster Endrick, but have switched their focus to Leonadro as they want to secure his signing before the competition gets heavy.
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It’s understood that Santos would be willing to listen to offers for Leonardo, who has a £50.3 million release clause.
The Brazil under-20 international managed 20 goal contributions in just 35 appearances for Santos last season (15 goals and five assists).
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Despite already bringing in a forward in Nunez this summer, and having Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota at his disposal, Jurgen Klopp is eager to further bolster his options as he looks to reinforce his squad after losing the likes of Sadio Mane, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino in this window.
While another new signing in Fabio Carvalho can operate out wide as a forward, the Reds have essentially lost three attacking players and only brought one in so far this summer, so Klopp may deem his side light in depth in forward areas.
The addition of Diaz from Porto in January ultimately acted as an early replacement for Mane, and the club may look to replicate this piece of business, by acquiring Firmino’s replacement while the veteran Brazilian is still at the club.
With Firmino on the wrong side of 30, looking to bring in a young long-term successor for him makes sense.
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Leonardo could be this long-term successor, and plenty of movement on this deal is expected to materialise in the coming weeks.
Liverpool began their new season by beating title rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield on Saturday, with the Reds running out 3-1 winners as Nunez got off the mark for his new club.
Alfie Culshaw