Exclusive: Liverpool ready to strike deal with Colombian contract rebel

Anfield Watch understands Liverpool are ready to strike an agreement with a Colombian contract rebel who has been lighting up South America.

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We revealed exclusively that the club's scouts have travelled to the U20 Sudamericana in Venezuela last month.

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As well as the club's local scouts, Kyle Woodbanks, has also been 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 revealed exclusively that one of the biggest talents Liverpool are keeping an eye on is Deinner Ordonez, who is the youngest player at the tournament and who has caught the eye for Ecuador.

But Ordonez is not the only one on the club's radar. The club's scouts have also been impressed by an exciting attacker who could present an ideal market opportunity for FSG.

Why Liverpool have set sights on Neiser Villarreal

Recently Rousing the Kop reported Liverpool were interested in Neiser Villarreal.

Anfield Watch understands there is truth in the links to the Colombian forward and we can exclusively reveal why.

We understand a big factor why Liverpool are ready to strike a deal for Villarreal is due to his contract situation.

The 19-year-old has rejected a contract at his club Millonarios and his current deal expires in November 2025. This means he is available for a cut-price in the summer market.

According to our information, Villarreal was in talks with a Turkish side prior to the U20 Sudamericana however he has since attracted the attention of some of Europe's biggest sides.

He is currently the top-scorer at the tournament with eight goals in nine matches and also has four assists.

A tall forward standing at 1.86 metres with great feet and a brilliant finishing instinct, Villarreal has earned comparisons to his compatriot Jhon Duran.

He can also play on the right and left wing and his movement off the ball to create space as well as his link-up ability have all made him stand-out in this tournament.

He's averaged over four dribble attempts in the tournament so far and 2.82 shots per 90 minutes (Wyscout).

Liverpool are in the market for a young fluid striker, that is why the Reds tried to sign Stefanos Tzimas in the January window as revealed by Anfield Watch.

That move didn't work out but Villarreal is a similar profile.

Liverpool see this as a market opportunity and one very much in line with their strategy of recruiting some of the biggest talents from around the world to the club.

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Whether Liverpool can come to an agreement with Villarreal remains to be seen with other clubs also in the race. However, the Reds are certainly ready to strike a deal.

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