Liverpool have been linked with a number of young and upcoming players ever since Jurgen Klopp took charge and they are again in the news as they have Thiago Maia on their radar according to ESPN Brazil.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has been brilliant for Santos and a number of other clubs are after his signature.

Maia made 52 appearances for the Brazilian club last season and even topped it off with a great win at the Olympics. The 19-year-old does have a lot of talent but Liverpool also have a number of players for that midfield slot.

The Reds have Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum fighting for the three slots in the heart of midfield. The Merseyside club also have the likes of Marko Grujic and Kevin Stewart looking to break into the side and have been impressive in the EFL Cup this season.

A lot of interest for the 19-year-old midfielder

It isn’t just Liverpool that wants to sign up the Brazilian ace and the report claims that French club Monaco, Bundesliga giants Schalke and Italian side Napoli are in the race for Maia. The report also states that Zenit St Petersburg had stolen a march on their rivals and had even lodged a €18m bid for the Santos star.

That was firmly rejected by the Brazilian side, who must believe their player is worth more, and the Reds will have to break the bank if they are to sign Maia.

For the Reds, bringing Maia won’t be the answer they need for their midfield at the moment. Jurgen Klopp’s side is blessed with a lot of quality at the moment but they need to add quality should they make it to the European competitions next season.

Maia could also be seen as a Lucas Leiva replacement. The Brazilian hasn’t played in his favoured central midfield position this season and Klopp has used him as a makeshift centre-back for a few games.

The former Gremio star could be in his last few months at Liverpool and it would not be a surprise if the deal between Santos and the Premier League club is completed in the winter window. This would give Maia plenty of time to adjust to life at Anfield and it would ensure that he starts the next season with a bang.

Liverpool already have a few Brazilians in their side at the moment and Maia could be the next one joining the fray.

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