Liverpool are lining up a bid for Santos forward Marcos Leonardo, according to Mercado Do Futebol.

The Brazilian website claims a source close to Santos has told them that a proposal worth €10m (£9m) is expected to be tabled by the Reds “very soon”.

Leonardo has been on the Merseyside club’s radar for a while, with the teenager having now established himself as a regular starter for Santos.

He has scored 17 goals and contributed five assists in 46 appearances so far this season, but his team have been struggling in midtable, sitting 11th with 11 matches left to go.

Mercado Do Futebol claim that €10m is unlikely to be enough to even open negotiations with Santos, with the player protected by a €60m (£53.5m) release clause. They would be willing to sell during the January transfer window but it seems Liverpool would have to up their offer if they want to be taken seriously.