Liverpool recently enquired about the availability of Italian teenage starlet Sandro Tonali.
That’s according to controversial former Leeds United owner and chairman Massimo Cellino, who now runs proceedings at Italian Serie B side Brescia.
Tonali has made a sparkling impression in his home nation’s second tier since earning his senior debut at the age of just 17 back in August 2017.
His fine form has seen him named the 2018 Serie B Footballer of the Year and already attract interest from the likes of Roma, Juventus and AC Milan.
Cellino now claims to have been contacted by Anfield officials over the 18-year-old.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, he said: “Yes, Roma have asked me about Tonali.”
“I’ve talked about him to [Roma director] Baldissoni several times, but I want to keep the lad as long as possible.”
“Is he ready? I don’t know, he’s 18… But Liverpool also contacted me a little while ago.”
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Tonali recently told Sky Italy of his desire to play for boyhood club Milan and to work under their current manager Gennaro Gattuso.
It looks increasingly likely the midfielder’s next step will be a move to Serie A given the calibre of clubs reportedly in the running for his signature.
Liverpool are not expected to add to their squad before the end of the month, with Jurgen Klopp evidently satisfied with his options.
The Reds have, however, bolstered their youth ranks through the signing of 16-year-old French defender Billy Koumetio from US Orleans Loiret.
He is expected to join up with Barry Lewtas’ U18s after impressing on trial for the club in November.