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Liverpool v United for Brazil ace (with video)
Published 22:31 14/11/11 By David Maddock
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But before Kenny Dalglish gets carried away with the idea of a midfield laden with Lucases, the Reds' boss faces some stiff opposition for the 19-year-old's signature, with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Manchester United all interested.
Representatives from Anfield have watched the talented attacking midfielder no fewer than five times in recent months, with director of football Damien Comolli running the rule over him personally when the teenager made his Brazil debut against Scotland.
Rodrigues was outstanding in that game when he appeared as a second half substitute, but he had already alerted most of Europe’s premier clubs before then, by becoming the star of the Under-20 South American Championship.
Rodrigues was not selected for Brazil’s Tuesday friendly win over Egypt but that was because all domestic-based players were left at home, where the league season is reaching a conclusion.
His elevated status prompted his club Sao Paolo to offer the youngster an improved contract that would keep him at the club until 2016.
But the Brazilian side know they have a hot property on their hands, and have already instructed agents to sound out some of the top European clubs with a view to a sale next summer.
Liverpool are considering making a firm offerbeforethen, with Comolli thought to be keen on the attacking potential of the brilliant youngster.
The Brazilian league reaches a climax at the end of the year, and Liverpool’s American owners may be tempted to submit an offer then, to see if they can steal a march on their rivals.
More likely, however, is that Sao Paolo will wait until the end of the European season and try to conduct an auction for a player who they value in the region of £20m.
Liverpool currently have three Brazilians at the club in Lucas Leiva, Fabio Aurelio and reserve keeper Doni, along with other South Americans in Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates.
UruguyanSuarez, who scored four goals in a World Cup qualifier against Chile at the weekend, has eased injury fears raised after he limped out of that gamenear the end.
The forward had a back problem, but insisted it was not serious and declared himself fit for his country’s prestigious friendly against Italy on Tuesday.
Check out Tom Huddlestone Mini-Me Rodrigues in action:
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