LFC TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: club chiefs to Brazil to seal the transfer of Sao Paulo star Lucas Beraldo

Liverpool have sent club chiefs to Brazil to seal the transfer of Sao Paulo star Lucas Beraldo.

In a shock development, the Reds are negotiating a £20million move for the 19-year-old, who is yet to be capped at senior level by his country. But he is already highly rated after helping the club to their Copa do Brasil success this year.

The Reds have struggled defensively this season, with skipper Virgil van Dijk widely perceived to be struggling for his best form. A long-term injury to Andy Robertson has further disrupted matters, and Jurgen Klopp is now set to use the January window to address his backline

According to The Sun, Liverpool representatives met directly with Beraldo after the 1-0 win over Cruzeiro last week. Sao Paulo has since beaten Bargantino by the same scoreline, with the centre-back playing 90 minutes in both matches.

Klopp is reportedly keen to get the deal done before the summer in order to avoid being scuppered by other clubs. And critically, Beraldo would also be eligible to play in Liverpool’s Europa League campaign for the remainder of the competition.

He joined the Sao Paulo youth setup in 2020, making his first-team debut two years later. And he has twice been capped by Brazil at Under-20 level, a notion that altered the Merseyside club to his talent.

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As well as Van Dijk, Klopp also has Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate, and Joel Matip as defensive options in the middle. But none of the three have grasped their opportunities this season, with Matip in particular expected to leave the club when his deal expires in 2024.

However, Jarell Quansah is also emerging as a player with real potential. The 19-year-old played in the recent Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth, and impressed in difficult conditions.

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Liverpool’s home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.

Despite their defensive woes, Liverpool have the opportunity on Sunday, temporarily at least, to draw level on points with league leaders Manchester City. The Reds host Brentford at Anfield, with a 2pm kick off.