Brazilian journo tweets about Liverpool’s interest in signing £40m attacking midfielder

Liverpool are interested in signing Flamengo’s attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta, according to Brazilian broadcaster Andersinho Marques.

Paqueta, 20, was named in the 12-man standby list for Brazil’s World Cup squad in Russia this summer, although he wasn’t called up to the final squad. Such has been the eye-catching form of the 20-year-old midfielder, who has scored 3 goals and supplied 2 assists in 9 Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A matches this season.

A Brazilian U20 international, Paqueta, who has also garnered interest from Real Madrid and Manchester City, has a £40million release clause in his contract, reports the Express.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool appeared all set to sign French star Nabil Fekir from Lyon earlier this month, only for the deal to collapse due to medical complications.

But the Reds must not lose heart and spend the money they got following the sale of Philippe Coutinho in January to strengthen their squad ahead of next season. We have already acquired the services of Fabinho from AS Monaco and while Naby Keita is set to arrive next month following the expiry of his contract with RB Leipzig, the Reds need a creative midfielder in the mould of Coutinho.

Flamengo’s Lucas Paqueta has all the ingredients to be a top midfielder but he is yet to prove himself at the highest level. The Brazilian has a lot of potential and has done well so far for Flamengo, amassing 68 first-team appearances already and contributing 11 goals.

However, Klopp should go for an experienced player to fill the boots of Coutinho. If at all he signs Paqueta, it is safe to suggest the Brazilian will be one for the future at Anfield.