Liverpool close in on a deal for 'the next Neymar’ Talles Magno

Liverpool have made contact with Vasco da Gama with a view to signing 18-year-old forward Talles Magno, who was a part of the Brazil squad who won the U-17 World Cup last year. It was reported in AS in May that Magno was on Liverpool’s radar and Brazilian publication Yahoo Esportes now suggest that the Reds are in pole position to sign the promising youngster.

Magno is a versatile forward who has featured predominantly on the left for Vasco but could offer depth across the frontline as Klopp looks to bring in some younger alternatives to his regular front three. Aged just 17 he made 15 league appearances for the Brazilian side’s first team before an ankle injury sustained on international duty kept him out of contention. Now back at full fitness, he has drawn attention from the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid but Liverpool are believed to be Magno’s preferred destination.

Vasco da Gama could sell Talles Magno 

Further reports from Brazil suggest that super-agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents compatriots Marquinhos, David Neres, Oscar and David Luiz, is conducting the negotiations. Magno’s current contract with Vasco da Gama ties him to the club until 2022 with a release clause of 48 million euros but he could be available in a cut-price deal due to the Brazilian club’s current financial predicament. The pandemic has left Vasco in a tough position and they may be forced to accept a fee closer to 20 million for their young star.

This would certainly suit Liverpool who had to rule themselves out of the race to sign Timo Werner due to the forward’s 55 million euro price tag. Klopp has previously spoken about the impact that the pandemic has had on the club’s transfer strategy and suggested that Liverpool will not be making any major additions this year: “Covid came and changed the situation again and not for the better - for all business in the world, not just football," the Reds boss explained. "It’s not that we don't think we cannot improve, even on a transfer basis. We just do what is possible for us and what we are able to do."

Liverpool spend carefully in a bearish market

This has been taken to mean that Liverpool will not be adding any big names to their title-winning squad, but reinforcements will be made to add strength in depth. Liverpool yesterday secured the signing of Kostas Tsimikas for £11.7million who will provide competition for Andy Robertson. Currently, Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino are the only senior alternatives in the forward positions but Magno could be a useful addition as Klopp looks to build for the future.