Frequent contact: Liverpool in talks to sign 'complete' Tchouameni alternative for much cheaper

Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Red Bull Bragantino midfielder Eric Ramires in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Jurgen Klopp has built arguably the strongest squad in the Reds’ history, but one area which could do with reinforcements in the coming months is central midfield.

The likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are now all in their 30s, while Fabinho turns 29 later this year, as does the rarely-used Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Naby Keita is at an ideal age in 27, but his Liverpool career has been dogged by injuries.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are still very much learning their trade at the top level, so there aren’t enough reliable midfielders between the fledgling and veteran stages at Anfield.

According to journalist Jorge Nicola [via Sport Witness], Liverpool have been keeping ‘frequent contacts’ with Ramires over a possible summer move.

However, Brazilian club Bragantino are playing a ‘hard game’, albeit demanding a relatively cheap €15m (£12.8m) for the Reds to get their man.

This would make him a much more cost-effective alternative to the heavily linked Aurelien Tchouameni, who is expected to cost €80m (£68m).

Ramires may be a relative unknown to some in England, considering that he isn’t plying his trade in Europe, but he is an exciting talent who has already won four caps for Brazil’s under-20s.

The 21-year-old has an 88.3% pass completion rate in the Brasileirao this season (bettered only by Jones among Liverpool’s midfield in 2021/22), while he has also been hailed as a ‘complete midfielder’ in one report.

Ramires would be one for the future at Liverpool, and as outlined above, he is someone who Klopp may need in order to construct his next great Anfield