EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool embark on South American transfer mission

Anfield Watch understands Liverpool have embarked on an exciting transfer mission to South America.

The continent has always been a strong point of focus for Micheal Edwards and his recruitment team.

Liverpool FC News Today: Salah RESPONDS as move made for world class star

Liverpool scouts first spotted the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz while they were playing in their native homelands of Uruguay and Colombia respectively.

In Brazil, the club's scouts have tried to lure the likes of Rodrygo to Anfield with no avail.

With the Premier League's new work permit rules post-Brexit, transfers from South America have become more common due to the favourable point system introduced towards players in the region.

This has seen Moises Caicedo arrive at Brighton or Julian Alvarez arrive at Manchester City. And soon, the Reds may be making a transfer of their own.

Liverpool's January South American transfer mission

Anfield Watch can exclusively reveal that Liverpool are keeping a very close eye on the U20 Sudamericana currently taking place in Venezuela.

As well as the club's local scouts, Kyle Woodbanks, is also in attendance at the tournament. Woodbanks was promoted to Global Talent Scouting Manager in November and his presence at the tournament is a significant one.

Anfield Watch understands Woodbanks only makes appearances for significant events, which suggests this tournament is one the club are investing a lot of resources into.

And there's a good reason why.

There are several players at the tournament who Liverpool have already made transfer approaches towards. 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono is one of the stars of the Argentina team and he is held in very high regard by the club's scouts.

Brazilian winger Rayan is another talent that has attracted the attention of Liverpool.

There is also precedence for Liverpool doing business on the back of this tournament. Colombian defender Anderson Arroyo had been on Liverpool's radar for a long time by the time his performances at the 2017 U20 Sudamericana convinced the club's scouts to sanction a move for him.

Incidentally, it was also in this tournament that a young Diaz first caught the eye of the club's scouts after his brilliant performances for Colombia.

Who will follow suit remains to be seen, but Woodbanks' presence indicates the Reds have more vested interest in this tournament than just a pure scouting mission.

READ MORE: Liverpool agree to move for world-class star