Liverpool are on the verge of hitting Brazilian gold, with a £26m swoop for Olympics star Luan.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has spent the last year trying to team up the striker branded the 'new Ronaldinho' with his Samba stars Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Lucas.

And sources suggest a deal is close to being agreed with the 24 year old's club Gremio - crucially, the former club of Lucas - after Luan turned down the offer of a new contract a month ago.

The Brazil international has only a year left on his current deal with the Porto Alegre team, and that has forced Gremio to talk money with several European clubs.

The player's representatives, including his business advisor Jair Peixoto and agent Gianni Losito, flew to London in April. It is understood contact was made with Anfield representatives, and terms discussed.

Liverpool head the queue after agreeing to meet the valuation of €30m, and the English club are said to be increasingly confident of landing the player, as they creep closer to qualifying for the Champions' League, which could seal the deal.

Luan has been described by Ronaldinho himself as Brazil's next star, and he confirmed his reputation by helping Brazil win Olympic gold alongside Neymar and City's Gabriel Jesus.

He scored a wonder goal in the quarter final and again in the semi, before converting his penalty in the shoot out which delivered victory over Germany in the final.

Source: Daily Mirror

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