Liverpool are reportedly the latest team to show an interest in signing Boca Juniors left-back Valentin Barco.
The Reds could do with reinforcements in that area of the field, as they will be working without first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson for the remainder of the calendar year owing to a shoulder injury.
The Scotland international suffered a dislocation in a Euro 2024 qualifying clash with Spain last month and is on the long road to recovery from surgery, which should render him unavailable until January.
Robertson's injury leaves Kostas Tsimikas as Jurgen Klopp's only senior left-back, although 19-year-old academy product Luke Chambers has also made his breakthrough into the first team this season.
In addition, Joe Gomez has been deployed on the left-hand side of the backline for Liverpool, who could be fighting for glory in the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League in the New Year.
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According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool have now emerged as contenders to sign Boca Juniors starlet Barco, who has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe this season.
The 19-year-old was officially promoted to the Boca Juniors first team this summer and has already made 33 appearances for the Argentinian giants, scoring one goal and providing four assists.
All of Barco's goal contributions have come in the 2023 season, where he has made a particular impression in the Copa Libertadores during Boca's run to the showpiece match.
Barco scored once and provided one assist in nine games in South America's premier continental tournament, playing as a left-back, left-winger and left wing-back as Boca lost to Fluminense in the final.
The 2004-born defender has also featured regularly for Boca Juniors higher up the field in this year's Argentine Primera Division, as well as further displaying his versatility in a central midfield role.
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Barco has also made waves at Under-20 level with Argentina, where he is coached by former Liverpool man Javier Mascherano, registering two goals in eight appearances.
Barco's contract with Boca Juniors only runs until December 2024, and the report claims that the 19-year-old is starting to seriously assess the offers on the table from European clubs.
Chelsea, Manchester City, Juventus and Brighton & Hove Albion are also pursuing a deal for Barco, but Liverpool are supposedly prepared to provide fierce competition to their continental rivals.
The Reds entered the international break second in the Premier League table behind Man City, whom they could overtake into top spot with a win in next Saturday's tantalising Etihad clash.
Ben Knapton
