Liverpool appear to have taken the first concrete step in the growing race for Gilberto Mora. Fresh claims from Mexico confirm that the Reds have already opened lines of communication over the teenager.
We have covered the steady rise of interest in the 17-year-old throughout the World Cup. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have all been followingthe Tijuana midfielder. Meanwhile, recent reports suggested the Mexican club were preparing for his eventual move to Europe.
Now, Liverpool are said to have taken action.
Liverpool make approach
According to El Universal, Liverpool have contacted Tijuana to ask about Mora’s contractual situation. Interest in the youngster continues to build after his impressive World Cup.
The report adds that the Anfield club have also made contact with the player’s camp after Mexico’s elimination from the tournament. They are seeking to understand the conditions of a potential transfer.
There is no formal offer on the table at this stage, but the contacts represent the clearest indication yet that one of the Premier League clubs is beginning to explore what a deal would actually look like.
As we covered earlier this week, Tijuana will ask for around €21.3m (£18.4m) to sell the midfielder.
Initiative not enough
Gilberto Mora
While Liverpool are presented as the club making the first approach, the competition is far from over.
The Mexican newspaper says Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City remain among the clubs monitoring Mora’s progress. This comes after his breakthrough performances at the World Cup.
It also claims Mora’s recent contract renewal with Tijuana included provisions designed to make a future move to European football easier. This would happen when an offer arrives that benefits both the player and the club.
That means Liverpool are still some way from completing a deal, particularly with no official bid having been submitted.
Even so, after weeks of reports about scouting missions, growing interest and asking prices, this is the first claim suggesting a Premier League club has started laying the groundwork for negotiations.
Whether that eventually leads to a formal offer remains to be seen, but Liverpool now appear to have taken the initiative in one of the summer’s most closely watched emerging transfer stories.