Report: Liverpool have just been turned down by £15m Brazilian wonderkid who plays with Philippe Coutinho
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As they’ve shown over recent years, Liverpool always have one eye on bolstering their squad with potential future talents.
The Reds added Rio Ngumoha and Alvin Ayman over the summer, with big things projected from both teenagers.
Ngumoha in particular looks like a top prospect and becomes the latest in a line of high quality youngsters bought in by Liverpool of late.
But as the Reds become masters of the British youth market, they have never fully gotten a grasp on doing similar business in South America.
There were reports that Liverpool head scout Barry Hunter was in Brazil in the lead-up to this summer’s transfer window, but despite various links emerging, nothing concrete ever materialised.
That does not necessarily seem for the wont of trying, though, and reports now suggest that Liverpool have had a go at bringing in one of Brazil’s most talked about talents.
Liverpool turned down by Rayan
It can be a tricky business for Premier League clubs signing players directly from Brazil.
Liverpool were heavily linked with Luis Guilherme, for example, who was earning plenty of rave reviews while playing for Palmeiras.
But after joining West Ham for more than £25m, Guilherme has only made one, four-minute appearance for the Hammers.
Another forward seen as having similar potential to the West Ham youngster is Rayan of Vasco da Gama.
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The 18-year-old has already made 38 appearances for Vasco, scoring three times. And according to Spanish outlet E-Noticies, this precociousness caught the eye of Liverpool.
They claim that Rayan actually had an offer from the Reds – as well as Lyon – but has turned them down to give priority to Barcelona.
Barca will reportedly offer around £15m to sign Rayan as they look for alternative signings to Nico Williams.
Brazilian outlets put Lyon in charge
Despite these claims from Spain, Brazilian outlet Globo have reported that Lyon are the most active team in the chase for Rayan.
The French club’s owner – John Textor – is also in charge at Brazilian club Botafogo, and a deal to send Rayan to Lyon would seemingly include some favourable terms for Vasco such as use of Botafogo’s stadium.
Although this is said to be attractive to the club who Philippe Coutinho currently plays for, Lyon are looking for a cheaper deal to buy the young forward.
As a result, talks have reportedly hit a standstill for the time being.
There is no mention of Liverpool, or indeed Barcelona in Globo’s report. But perhaps this is one to keep an eye on if no breakthrough is found with another club.
