MX23RW : Friday, December 27 08:12:46| >> :120:33540:33540:

Liverpool open talks to sign Colombian teenager?

Liverpool open talks to sign Colombian teenager?
© Reuters
Liverpool are reportedly in discussions to secure a deal for young Colombian defender Kevin Mantilla, who plays for Santa Fe.

Liverpool have reportedly registered an interest in signing Santa Fe youngster Felix Mantilla.

Although Liverpool have recently posted successive wins over Everton and Newcastle United in the Premier League, the Merseyside giants have endured one of their poorest seasons in recent memory.

As well as remaining down in eighth position in the top-flight standings, Liverpool are out of the FA Cup and are currently preparing for a Champions League last-16 showdown with Real Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp has already acknowledged that the club must be active in the summer transfer window if they wish to close the gap to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

Liverpool's Joel Matip scores an own goal and Wolverhampton Wanderers first on February 4, 2023© Reuters

The biggest change is expected to come in midfield with current squad members due to be out of contract, but alterations could also occur in defence.

That may see Liverpool look to sign senior alternatives to the likes of Joel Matip and Nat Phillips, although it appears that consideration is also been given to the future.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool hold an interest in securing a deal for Mantilla later in 2023.

The 19-year-old has been a regular with Colombia Under-20s, earning a total of 15 caps through his performances for Santa Fe.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on December 26, 2022© Reuters

Mantilla has made 25 appearances in all competitions, with many of his outings coming in the top tier of Colombian football.

Liverpool were allegedly left impressed with how Mantilla performed during the recent South American Under-20 Championship and are now keen to negotiate a deal.

Preliminary talks are already said to have been held for a player who can play at full-back and centre-back, his most familiar role being the latter.

As it stands, it is unclear what fee would be required to sign Mantilla, although it appears unlikely that he will be immediately considered for first-team football at Anfield should he complete a move to England.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Liverpool's Joel Matip in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Raul Jimenez on January 7, 2023
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Chelsea18105338211735
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
4Arsenal1796234161833
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton176742726125
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
12Brentford177283232023
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich172691632-1612
20Southampton1813141137-266


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