Liverpool are eyeing a move for Manchester United transfer target Roberto Firmino and are believed to be considering a bid.
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The Mirror report that the Reds have been watching the player’s situation closely and Brendan Rodgers is finally convinced that the Brazilian would be a worthwhile addition to his Liverpool team.
However, if the Merseyside giants are to snare their man, they may well have to fend off competition from United, who have been heavily linked with the Hoffenheim attacker.
The English tabloid understand that Rodgers may be planning to outbid the Red Devils—hoping that a more lucrative offer will tempt the German side to allow the player to talk to them exclusively.
Should an offer from United be accepted by the club, Liverpool may struggle to compete head-to-head with United in offering the player a contract, due to their inability to offer him Champions League football.
Despite the Reds’ late interest, United should still be considered as overwhelming favourites for the player.
Earlier this week, the Daily Star reported that Louis van Gaal had agreed a deal for the player, with a fee of £13.1 million expected to be exchanged between the two clubs. However, it is understood that the German side are keen to hold out for a higher fee-closer to £20 million-and that they may be receptive to an improved approach from Liverpool [Mirror].
A transfer at this price would represent a major coup, with Firmino currently one of the genuinely enthralling South American talents in the European game.
The Brazil international—who is currently starring at the Copa America with the Selecao—managed 10 assists and seven goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term.
While it is hard to see Firmino being tempted to Liverpool considering the side’s current malaise under Brendan Rodgers, the promise of being a key man at the club, and the presence of fellow Brazilians such as Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva may yet make Anfield an appealing prospect.