Liverpool dealt blow in playmaker pursuit

Liverpool appear set to miss out on Lucas Marcelinho after the player's staggering release fee was revealed.

The Sao Paulo starlet has been earning rave reviews in south America over the past year, earning senior international recognition new manager Mano Menezes.

Kenny Dalglish has reportedly had scouts tracking the 18-year-old's progress at the Morumbi Stadium, with Brazilian website Lance!Net claiming Liverpool were preparing a €9 million offer for the player.

However, a €79 million buyout clause in the player's contact, according to Live4Liverpool, has all but ended the interest of Liverpool in the player.

Sao Paulo are unwilling to let another youngster leave the club club this summer following the exit of Lucas Piazon to Chelsea, ending the chances of other suitors such as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Villarreal, unless they meet the huge fee of course.

Dalglish is believed to be in the market for an attacking midfielder at Anfield this summer, with a left back, winger and striker also thought to be on the Liverpool agenda.

After securing the services of Jordan Henderson for a reported £20 million a fortnight ago, the Scot has clearly set his sights on young talent in an effort to build a Liverpool team for the future.

Alongside Damien Comolli, director of football at Liverpool, the pair have been working together in bringing targets to Merseyside, although Marcelinho will not be joining the other new signings at the club this summer.

Source: Givemefootball.com