Fabio Carvalho's impressive display against Man City may not be good news for Liverpool

Fabio Carvalho showed just why Liverpool are after his signature with a brilliant performance against Manchester City proving he belongs on the big stage.

The 19-year-old playmaker gave Fulham a surprise lead at the Etihad with a composed close-range finish from Harry Wilson's cross in the fourth minute.

Carvalho's accomplished performance was about far more than his eighth goal of the season; he was a creative force for the underdogs throughout the FA Cup fourth-round encounter, registering 40 touches and creating one chance while up against the likes of Fernandinho and John Stones.

The result may not have gone Fulham's way, with City rallying emphatically to win 4-1, but their teenage gem lived up to his billing as Anfield transfer chiefs continue to circle.

Liverpool failed in their efforts to sign Carvalho in January despite coming close to agreeing a £5million deal late in the transfer window.

Fulham manager Marco Silva was reluctant to part ways with the player midway through his side's promotion-pushing campaign and paperwork issues also proved costly for the Reds on deadline day.

But Jurgen Klopp and Co. are expected to come calling once again this summer, when Carvalho will be out of contract and available for a minor compensation sum.

"We are obviously still interested, it would be crazy if we are not," the German manager said of Carvalho.

"It's obviously not in our hands. It was late before the deadline and it didn't work out. We will see what happens."

But if the Liverpool hierarchy thought they would have a free run to sign Carvalho unopposed at the end of the season, they should think again.

Already there are reports of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona joining the race for the youngster, while