Liverpool are interested in signing Australian centre-back Lucas Herrington, but are expected to face competition from the likes of Barcelona and Manchester United for the World Cup star's signature, according to TEAMtalk.
Herrington impressed for the Socceroos at the international tournament, catching the eye despite missing a decisive penalty in his nation's last-16 shootout against Egypt. The defender currently plies his trade in the MLS with the Colorado Rapids, but could be set for a significant step-up, with his World Cup form sparking interest from several top clubs.
Liverpool are in the market for a new central defender after losing Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Jeremy Jacquet has arrived from Rennes for £60 million, but another option in this area of the pitch is needed in Andoni Iraola's squad, and Herrington has been identified as a candidate to fill this role.
Liverpool to Battle Top Clubs for Lucas Herrington
Lucas Herrington
Despite only turning 18 last September, Herrington was entrusted to start for Australia at the World Cup, and this decision may have changed the trajectory of his career.
The 'top, top level' teenager has made just 17 senior appearances for the Colorado Rapids, but is now the subject of interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs.
TEAMtalk report that Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester United are considering making a move for the youngster. On top of this, the outlet suggests as many as seven Premier League sides are monitoring Herrington's situation, as well as a number of clubs on the continent.
The volume of potential suitors means Colorado find themselves in a strong position, and the MLS outfit are reportedly keen to make their own demands in any prospective deal.
The American club would welcome an arrangement that allows Herrington to remain on loan in Denver for another year before moving to Europe permanently.
Several of the interested parties are said to be on board with this idea, although it's not specified whether Liverpool are among these clubs willing to accept this temporary deal.
The Reds are in dire need of immediate defensive reinforcements, and thus, may need to keep Herrington from the outset if they are to sign him.
Liverpool Should Focus Attention Elsewhere
Goncalo Inacio
At the moment, Iraola is set to rely on an ageing Virgil van Dijk, 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet and injury-prone Joe Gomez at the heart of his defence. 19-year-old Giovani Leoni is still fighting his way back from an ACL injury.
It's clear that the Merseysiders are short on reliable centre-backs heading into next season, and Herrington wouldn't fix this immediate issue.
While acquiring the Australian might be a sensible piece of long-term squad planning, it's evident that the prodigy defender won't be capable of making an instant impact at Anfield and may even have to spend a year developing elsewhere.
Thus, Iraola and the Liverpool hierarchy should turn their attention elsewhere. Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio has been linked with a switch to the north-west, and the Reds should certainly focus their energy on securing a player of the Portuguese's calibre.