New name linked with Reds

Reports in the Uruguayan press claim that Liverpool and Napoli will go head-to-head this month to secure the services of highly-rated attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro.

The 20-year-old starlet, who has turned heads this term with a series of impressive performances for homeland side Nacional, had been tipped to stay with the former Intercontinental Cup winners for their forthcoming Copa Libertadores run.

Nevertheless, with Napoli keen to push through a move in the coming weeks it appears that Reds boss Rafael Benitez will step up his efforts to sign the player before his Italian rivals. 

It is understood that Napoli, who are also in the market for Liverpool defender Andreas Dossena, have offered €5.5 million for Lodeiro but will see their below-market offer rejected.

Hoping to appease Nacional's desire to keep hold of the player in the short-term, the Anfield hierarchy are set to offer an initial £1 million deposit on the player with a view to taking him in May.

Last month Daniel Fonseca, the player's agent, stated that a switch  was too soon and that regular first team football was more likely to benefit Lodeiro.

Described as the the archetypal 'trequartista', the youngster combines a high level of technical ability with the skill and intelligence to dictate the tempo of a game from an advanced midfield position.

Liverpool have also been heavily linked with another South American star in Maxi Rodriguez. The Atletico Madrid playmaker appears set for a contract with the Premier League club after his representatives confirmed to sport.co.uk that 'a deal was close.'

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