Liverpool LEADING transfer race for next 'MESSI'

Liverpool have been given a major boost in a bid to sign a generational teenager tipped to be the next "Messi".

The Reds are determined to sign promising midfielder Andrija Maksimovic from Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. The 17-year-old is emerging as one of the hottest youth prospects, who has already made a significant impact at senior level.

Maksimovic’s talent and potential has certainly caught the attention of a number of top clubs across Europe, and Liverpool are keen to secure his signature as part of their ongoing focus on young, exciting talent for the future.

This would of course not be the first time Liverpool pursued a move for a Red Star Belgrade man with Marko Grujic also previously signed from the Serbian giants.

Liverpool leading the race

One of the clubs tipped to sign the Serbian teenager was Borussia Dortmund. However, the Bundesliga side say they have no concrete plans to sign the youngster according to German journalist Christian Falk.

Falk is now reporting that Liverpool may be closer to securing a move than initially expected. However, Borussia Dortmund could quickly shift gears to position themselves for the talented midfielder if they truly view the 17-year-old as "one of the next big jewels in football."

“Dortmund see Andrija Maksimovic, 17, as one of the next big jewels in football – like they saw in Jamie Gittens for instance. But it’s not so concrete at the moment that they’re planning on buying him,” the German reporter told CaughtOffside.

“Liverpool and other clubs who are interested are perhaps closer. In Dortmund, they are discussing the name but it’s not so hot at the moment, so not the next one they’re going to buy.

“We’ll see how close the English clubs will get to this deal, but Dortmund are not at the starting line at the moment.”

Will Liverpool go all out?

Red Star have reportedly given Maksimovic a price tag of £12m. While that seems pricey for a 17-year-old, it showcasesjust how exciting a talent he is. The investment highlights his potential, and with him already making a name for himself, it suggests he could soon be making waves at Anfield.

Interestingly, Maksimovic's Messi nickname has nothing to do with his talent, it actually comes from his sister, who thought his haircut resembled Lionel Messi's when he was little, and the name stuck ever since.

The Serbian youngster already has seven goal contributions in 11 appearances across both senior and youth levels for Red Star this season. While his nickname may not relate this footballing ability, it seems possible that he could emulate Messi's talent in the future.