Last week, Novi List reported a Liverpool scout’s presence at a game involving HNK Rijeka and Hajduk Split.
They suspected the Reds were keeping an eye on young defender Branimir Mlacic.
It now seems like Liverpool are emerging as one of the candidates to sign the talent, but competition has quickly risen.
Sportske Novisti in Croatia report the 18-year-old has been putting in some impressive performances this season.
The centre-back has played 11 times in the Croatian first-division, starting each of Hajduk Split’s last seven games.
As a result, Liverpool have been keeping an eye on the teenager. Inter Milan are trying to beat competition and would like to close the deal as soon as they can.
Sportske claim that Hajduk Split would only sell the youngster for a ‘fabulous figure’ as his contract runs out in 2029. There is also an expectation that major offers can reach their offers sooner than expected.
Today’s Corriere dello Sport goes deeper into Inter’s interest. They point out the Nerazzurri are keen on beating competition from Liverpool. This is because sporting director Piero Ausilio has been very impressed and wants to thrash out a deal early in January.
The Italian giants plan to sign Mlacic and then loan him back to a Croatian club.
This comes as due warning to Liverpool, as Inter did something similar with Petar Sucic last January. The youngster is seen as someone who can revamp Cristian Chivu’s backline in the next few months.
It won’t be a surprise if more about Mlacic emerges in the next few weeks.