Liverpool get significant update in transfer chase for £35m Brazilian crown jewel

Recent months have brought news that Liverpool are chasing deals for some Palmeiras academy graduates.

On the radar for the winter window was Allan - a talented 21-year-old - although the trail for the left-footer appears to have gone cold for now.

Then there was the case of Erik Bele - a 19-year-old playmaker making waves for his club as well as the national under-20 side.

And the third player of interest to Liverpool recruiters is reported to be Eduardo Conceicao. The attacker is only 16 and won’t be eligible for a transfer to Europe until he turns 18 in December of next year.

But that hasn’t stopped the footballing aristocrats in Europe from staking a claim for Eduardo - who is expected to fetch €40m (£35m) when he eventually leaves the Sao Paulo-based outfit.

European clubs want Eduardo Conceicao

Recruiters and delegates from around Europe are reportedly in contact with Conceicao’s entourage right now in Paraguay - where he is starring for his national team at No10 in the South American U17 Championships.

Liverpool will need to act fast however as it looks like Manchester City are currently ahead in the race for Eduardo Conceicao.

That’s according to a new report in ESPN Brazil which claims City’s prior relationship with Palmeiras over deals for Gabriel Jesus and Vitor Reis put them ahead of the competition.

“Manchester City is the club that is getting closest to signing the 16-year-old and has been trying to 'close the net' to prevent other clubs, especially English rivals who are the most interested in Eduardo, from approaching,” the report reads.

“The Citizens' idea is to reach an agreement as soon as possible and pay a value close to 40 million euros (R$ 240 million) for the jewel.”

Man City in the lead for Eduardo Conceicao

City have made a name for themselves in attracting South American talents and so Richard Hughes has a job on his hands in wresting control away from Pep Guardiola’s side.

And even so there is plenty of competition from around the continent - with the report even claiming that daily contact has been established between clubs here in Europe and Conceicao’s entourage.

“Other teams such as Chelsea and PSG are also in the running and are in daily contact with people close to the player,” the report reads.

“Barcelona, ​​which had initially distanced itself from the deal, has renewed its interest in recent days and is back in the race for Eduardo Conceição.”

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