Brescia owner Massimo Cellino has confirmed Liverpool have enquired about midfielder Sandro Tonali.

The 18-year-old has already been named in Italy’s senior squad despite plying his trade in Serie B, with many clubs reportedly keen on his services.

When asked about interest in Tonali, Cellino revealed that he had been in talks with both Roma and Liverpool in recent months:

“We talked about him with [Roma general manager Mauro] Baldissoni several times. But I want to keep the boy as long as possible. A little while ago, Liverpool also contacted me.”

The teenager is very highly rated despite the fact that he has only played 37 games of senior football in his career so far, with the likes of Chelsea also having been linked with the player.

Tonali made his first-team debut for Brescia against Avellino in August 2017. This campaign, he has played 18 games, scoring one goal and providing five assists.

He generally plays in a holding midfield role, directing play from deep with his passing, akin to Italy great Andrea Pirlo.

Italy manager Roberto Mancini called up Tonali for the Nations League fixture against Portugal last November. He is yet to get his first cap for his country, though.