Liverpool preparing offer for 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder who could be Fabinho replacement

Liverpool are preparing an offer in January for a 21-year-old £9M rated Brazilian midfielder who could be their Fabinho replacement.

Joao Gomes is a rising star in Brazilian football and Liverpool have reportedly identified him as a target for the January window.

The Reds have three midfielders out of contract next summer with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all potentially set to leave the club.

With Liverpool needing to revitalise their midfield, as well as plan for the future, Gomes seems an exciting prospect and potentially a perfect Fabinho replacement at the base of midfield.

Latest reports on Joao Gomes

According to Julio Miguel Neto, Liverpool are preparing an offer for Flamengo midfielder João Gomes in January. Jurgen Klopp has been watching the 21-year-old for "a long time."

He had expressed an interest in joining Liverpool one day, according to ESPN Brasil despite reports that Manchester United have been interested in the 21-year-old in the past.

“Liverpool is a team I would play for,” said the Brazilian. “I have the greatest desire to play. Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and my family’s, my biggest dream in football.”

Flamengo have always housed top young Brazilian talent before they inevitably make the move across the continent to Europe's top five leagues. Top names have included: Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Adriano and Reinaldo.

Who is Gomes and how highly is he rated?

His manager, Paulo Sousa, talked about his qualities back in April: “He is a player that has a unique characteristic in our squad in the offensive and defensive ball battles. He is very strong physically,”.

Flamengo made it to the Copa Libertadores final, which takes place at the end of this month, where they'll face Athletico Paranaense; Gomes played a key role playing 11 games and averaging four tackles per game.

He's continued that impressive tackling form in the league this season, averaging 3.1 tackles per game as well as an 87.2% pass success rate.

Valued at only £9M, Gomes may not be too expensive a deal and Liverpool could secure a very talented and tough tackling midfielder for the future as early as January. He could learn from a Brazilian international in Fabinho and his tenacity would certainly align with the Premier League and Jurgen Klopp's high-intensity system.