Liverpool have reportedly begun negotiations to sign Brazilian starlet Reinier Jesus from Flamengo.
The 16-year-old is contracted to his current club until 2021, but is unable to leave until he turns 18.
However, Flamengo president Kleber Leite appears to have confirmed that Liverpool have begun talks to tie the youngster down to a pre-contract agreement which would see him join the Reds when he is able.
"I received certain information that the English club, who were monitoring the young Flamengo and Brazilian midfielder Reinier, 16, have already started negotiations with the boy's family," Leite is quoted as saying by The Mirror.
"Our young values are being erased prematurely, without even being able to write a page that is in the history of the Brazilian club that put them in the football world."
Jesus's teammate Vinicius Junior has been the subject of a similar approach from Real Madrid and will join Los Blancos in a £38m deal when he turns 18.
Barney Corkhill
