Liverpool send scouts to watch Gremio striker Luan as Jurgen Klopp rivals Arsenal for Brazilian
Spartak Moscow deal off so Prem clubs are left to battle it out for a player tipped to be his country's next superstar
LIVERPOOL look ready to fight it out with Arsenal for Gremio forward Luan.
The 24-year-old Brazilian was reported to be on the verge of joining Spartak Moscow.
But, according to the BBC's South American expert Tim Vickery, the two Premier League clubs have been left to battle it out for his signature.
NOT PICKED YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM YET? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sent a scout to watch Luan in Wednesday's match with Godoy Cruz.
They may need to hurry up with an offer.
A Gremio spokesman says the club had not received an offer from Liverpool and still "warns" the English to accelerate if they want the attacking midfielder.
Spartak offered around £17million for the player who actually has FOUR owners: Gremio has 70 per cent of Luan's rights and three other partners have a 10 per cent share.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal will be aware they could have difficulty securing a work permit for him.
PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFER NEWS
Luan has just one cap for Brazil and would have to play 25 per cent of Brazil’s games over a two-year period to qualify automatically for a permit.
But the Gremio star is a decent target: although he has predominantly played as a second striker this season, he can play in multiple attacking positions.
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 last summer in Rio.
He impressed in the Olympics scoring a wonder goal in the quarter-finals and scoring again in the semis followed by a converted penalty in the gold medal match shootout.
Luan scored six times for Gremio this season and has 32 goals in 117 appearances overall.
Arsenal are believed have been on his trail for quite some time, while Liverpool have show interest since May.
Stoke City were also interested earlier in the summer.
Have you signed up to play fantasy football yet?
If the answer is no you need to take a long, hard look at yourself.
Because the Dream Team game – the UK’s biggest fantasy football game – is back and better than ever this season.
You’ve got a £50m budget to pick 11 players, with all the biggest new signings ready and raring to go ahead of a mouthwatering new Premier League campaign.
So what are you waiting for? Sign up to play now!
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
IRRESISTIBLE SERGE
Serge Aurier 'agrees five-year deal' with Man United but fee not yet negotiated with PSG
JUR MINE
Jurgen Klopp insists Philippe Coutinho is staying at Liverpool and names ace in Champions League squad
WAR OF THE ROSES
Danny Rose adamant he will get the wage he's worth and says he would discuss a bid with Spurs bosses in a stunning string of revelations
'LET ME LEAVE'
Arsenal target Steven N’Zonzi hands in transfer request to force move away from Sevilla
BALE PLEA
Jose Mourinho urges his Manchester United bosses to bid £100m for Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale
BACK IN THE MIX
Burnley's Andre Gray seals £18.5m move to Watford... and hopes his superstar Little Mix girlfriend is welcome
IN OR OUT?
Barcelona spark fears Andres Iniesta could leave with Neymar-esque tweet... and Liverpool fans get excited
ROSE GOLD
England star Danny Rose insists he is not paid the wages he is worth at Tottenham