Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian teenager Thiago Maia, according to ESPN Brazil.
The 19-year-old is not stereotypically Brazilian in style, and is more renowned for his tackling abilities, combined with his tactical discipline, rather than for his ability to influence games in the final third with creativity and flair.
And ESPN Brazil are claiming that Jurgen Klopp has identified the Santos youngster as the ideal addition to his squad.
The Merseyside outfit will not have things all their own way, however, with a whole host of European clubs reportedly interested in securing the services of Maia, including the likes of Monaco, Schalke and Napoli.
Manchester United and Chelsea are also among those keeping a close eye on Santos midfielder Thiago Maia, according to Calciomercato.
The 19-year-old has had a regular audience of United scouts this season, say Brazil media, with Jose Mourinho believed to be ready to move for the midfielder as early as January.
Barely two years into his professional career, Maia is already making a habit of turning heads and blazing a trail.
But the latest report from ESPN Brazil claims that Napoli have already had an offer of £12 million for the player rejected by Santos, and that the teenager has a clause in his contract which entitles him to 30 per cent of any potential fee his club may receive for him.
This in itself will surely drive the price up, but if the Reds do make a concrete offer, it would be hard to imagine the young Brazilian turning down a move to a club as prestigious as Liverpool.
Maia has already made 60 league appearances for Santos, and is considered as one of their most important players.
A left-footed and primarily defence-minded central midfield player, Maia’s performances as part of Brazil’s successful Olympics team prompted the Santos man to rethink immediate plans to commit himself to domestic Brazilian football.
Even being at the Rio showpiece in the first place was special enough, where he became the first athlete – not just footballer – from the Amazon-dominated region Roraima to represent Brazil at an Olympic Games.