Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister says Boca Juniors defender Valentin Barco has a big future ahead of him.

The teenager started the Copa Libertadores final last weekend, which Boca lost to Fluminense after extra time, and speaking about the left-back, Mac Allister said he can see him moving to Europe:

“I had the chance to see him and I don’t reveal anything when I say that he is a great player. He has a lot of abilities and even when it seems that his rivals are going to take the ball from him, no one can get it from him.”

“He is still young and we have to take it little by little. I see him very focused although sometimes on the pitch he throws in the occasional extra luxury. He can be a very important player for our country and represent us very well in Europe.”

Barco has been linked with Liverpool

There have been reports in England that the Reds have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s progress, most likely at the behest of Mac Allister, who clearly has been watching his fellow Argentine very closely.

The defender’s release clause is only €10m (£8.7m) but it is believed that Manchester City are the favourites to land Barco, despite there being competition from Chelsea and Brighton too.

Reds scouts were likely watching one of Barco’s opponents

It has been claimed in the Brazilian media that Liverpool did send observers to the Copa Libertadores final, although it is thought that Jurgen Klopp’s side were monitoring Fluminense’s Andre, rather than Barco.

Both Fulham and Arsenal are also said to be keen on the Brazilian so there could be a race to secure the midfielder’s signature in January.

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