Liverpool DESPERATE to complete momentous transfer for next Moises Caicedo

Liverpool are reportedly in a battle to complete a deal for an exciting wonderkid following the same path as Moises Caicedo.

The Chelsea midfielder will always evoke bitter emotions from Reds supporters. For a few hours at least before he made his decision to join the Blues it felt like Liverpool might have pulled off a coup.

Liverpool Transfer News: World-class star is coming as Reds WIN Real Madrid battle

Caicedo very nearly became a Reds player in the summer of 2023. But in the end, it was Stamford Bridge where he decided to settle.

The rest is history. Liverpool brought in Wataru Endo and Ryan Graveberch instead and that's worked out pretty well - both are now key players under Arne Slot.

Martim Fernandes: The PERFECT Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement

But while Caicedo was never able to join the club, there is an exciting star following in his foosteps who could.

Liverpool want to sign Johan Martinez

According to TEAMtalk Liverpool are in a 'frantic' battle to sign Independiente del Valle winger Johan Martinez.

The 15-year-old is eyed by a number of different clubs across Europe but Liverpool are ready to bring him to Anfield when he turns 18 years old.

Martinez is regarded as the next big thing from Independiente del Valle who have notably produced Caicedo from the club's brilliant academy as well as host of other names.

This list includes, Willian Pacho, Kendry Paez, Joel Ordonez and Piero Hincapie.

Liverpool's scouts have a good working relationship with Independiente del Valle and have tracked the likes of Ordonez and Pacho for a long time.

Anfield Watch exclusively revealed that the club's scouts are also keeping an eye on another 15 year old talent from Independiente in Deinner Ordonez.

So a move for Martinez would make sense. Martinez is a winger who loves taking players on and is capable of using both feet which has earned him comparisons to Ousmane Dembele.

He's an exciting prospect and he fits the club's new strategy of trying to enter the South American market.

It won't be an easy task convincing him to join the club with so many other clubs in the race but it's definitely one to keep a close eye on.

READ MORE: £60m Liverpool target given GREEN light after impressive performance

Clearly, Independiente del Valle is on Liverpool's radar and it's only a matter of time until the club do finally sign an academy graduate from the Ecuadorean side.

READ MORE: Five right-backs READY to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool