£40m South American SENSATION now expected to LEAVE amid Liverpool interest

Liverpool have been scouring the transfer sphere, identifying a number of players who could suit Arne Slot's system.

Be it in specific positions, or to generally add to the squad playing a hybrid role, the club is right on top of the brightest talents across the world.

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One area of speculation where Liverpool need to pay most of their attention is the midfield.

This is because although the centre of the park was revamped just a few years ago, replacing the old guard of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho, with the fresh unit of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch, further depth is still required.

Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott make up the remainder of Liverpool's five midfield players, but given how tirelessly they have to work under Arne Slot, the club is considering adding some new recruits.

River Plate’s 17-year-old wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is the latest talent on Richard Hughes' shopping list.

River Plate expect to lose Mastantuono

Earlier this week, River Noticias reported that Liverpool are one of a number of clubs hoping to make a move for the attacking midfielder, who is considered to be one of Argentina's most exciting prospects.

His release clause is approximately set at €47m for the end of the January transfer window, which would surpass Enzo Fernandez's record transfer fee for a player from the Argentinian leagues.

The report suggested that Liverpool would not be alone in the hunt for the 17-year-old's signature, as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea are also said to be tracking the player's progress this season.

However, up until now, Liverpool's admiration of the player was purely speculation.

Yesterday, TyC Sports reported that River expects Mastantuono to leave the club this season, which is a huge update for the Reds.

Known for his free kicks and dribbling finesse, he would add a whole new dimension to Liverpool's team, and should the club successfully make the move, we would have one of the world's best-rising stars on Merseyside.

A midfield known for being the engine room of the Arne Slot project would have added ferocity and edge to their attacking play.

In addition, Mastantuono would be able to work directly alongside Mac Allister, who he would eventually meet up with when he is selected for the Argentinian national team.

While the move would be particularly bold for Liverpool's recruitment team, representing a change in approach from purchasing proven South American players who are already playing in Europe, it may be an avenue that we see the club explore more often.

Fellow Premier League club Brighton have been doing so for a number of years now, keeping their transfer fees low, and developing a youthful core to their team, most notably one of the Reds' other transfer targets Joao Pedro.

Given the success of their competitors' efforts, Liverpool's new strategy could be exactly what they need to truly set them apart from the rest.

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