Liverpool Rumors: Klopp Wants 'New Messi' Amid Manchester City, Manchester United Link-Ups

Liverpool could be plotting a move for one of the most sought-after talents of South America.

Velez Sarsfield attacker Thiago Almada , who some refer to as Argentina’s “new Lionel Messi,” has been generating quite a buzz in the current transfer window.

Over the summer, English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Manchester City have both been reportedly the frontrunners to sign the 19-year-old. However, Liverpool enters the scene and became Almada’s latest suitor with club manager Jurgen Klopp said to keen for a transfer swoop, Spanish outlet Don Balon reported.

According to the report, Klopp has “several” players listed on his transfer agenda this January and the club’s recruitment team has set its sights on Almada.

In the process, the Reds would be competing with Manchester City, which has been “tirelessly” pursuing the wonderkid for months.

Manchester United, on the other hand, was previously reported to be in pole position to land Almada. However, a deal has yet to come to fruition even to this day.

It has been said that Klopp is looking to intensify Liverpool’s attacking midfield next season and his coaching staff already identified Almada as a suitable candidate.

The report also noted that the renowned manager wants to hone Almada and be able to “evolve and adapt” to his system.

Almada is expected to be available for £23 million ($31 million) due to a release clause in his contract, but the Spanish newspaper revealed that an € 18 million ($22 million) bid might suffice to lure the Argentine side.

As for Almada’s desire destination, Leeds United could be the winner after all as the attacker had already expressed his intention to play under the tutelage of fellow Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.

“I would like [Marcelo] Bielsa to coach me,” Almada told TyC Sports last year “My friends sent me something about Bielsa, but I am calm. Whether it happens or not, we have to see.”

Meanwhile, Klopp has recently addressed Liverpool’s stance on the current transfer window.

According to the German, he is still unsure about how things will play out in this “difficult” window but hinted at possibly signing players if the club “can.”

“I don’t know how to say it but it just can happen like this when it starts at one point and it doesn’t stop,” the manager told Liverpool’s official website. “We have solutions in the squad and if we can, or if we will, do something in the window I don’t know, it’s really like that. It’s a very difficult transfer window, how you can imagine; not a lot of clubs have real money, some clubs don’t have money but don’t need money as well. So that’s the situation. ”