Liverpool are primed to take their interest in Roberto Firmino to the next stage in the next 48 hours, according to Ian Herbert of The Independent.
It is also reported that long-term target Christian Benteke will no longer be pursued as Aston Villa continue to hold on for a large fee.
Brazilian publication Globo were reporting that Liverpool and Firmino’s club Hoffenheim were in advanced talks and that a bid has gone in. But according to Herbert, Liverpool’s chase for the Brazilian international has not reached that stage.
Strikers Carlos Bacca and Saloman Rondon are also targets for the Reds but supposedly to a lesser extent than Firmino.
It is said that any move for the Hoffenheim forward will not be dependent on Raheem Sterling’s departure, who looks set to move to Manchester City.
Firmino was watched numerous times by Liverpool scouts last season as he scored seven goals in 33 league games.
