Rumour Mill: Liverpool offer “blank cheque” for Barcelona youngster Sergio Gomez

Liverpool are reported to be pursuing Barcelona U17s star Sergio Gomez on a pre-contract deal, ahead of the midfielder’s 16th birthday in September.

Gomez could follow in the footsteps of Sergi Canos, who left Barcelona for Liverpool when he turned 16 in 2013, with the Reds looking to continue their drive to poach the La Liga giants’ best young talent.

That is according to Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Liverpool are willing to offer a “blank cheque” to the teenager in order to secure his signature in September.

The Reds are said to have made contact with the young midfielder this week, in order to garner his interest in a move abroad.

Marca suggest that Barcelona remain keen on retaining Gomez’s services beyond his 16th birthday, looking to take advantage of his affinity with the city, having been born in Catalonia.

But with Liverpool likely willing to offer higher wages for a player at such a young age, a lucrative contract could seal a move.

Liverpool are thought to hold a longstanding interest in the midfielder, whose pace, dribbling ability and passing range will make him an attractive prospect for top-level sides.

But with Gomez producing a star turn in this season’s Abu Dhabi International Tournament, including a 4-3 win over Liverpool last month, the Reds’ stake in the youngster increased significantly.

Gomez could join former Barcelona youth star Bobby Adekanye in the Liverpool academy ranks, though arriving as a 16-year-old, it is likely that there is a long road ahead before he troubled the first-team setup.

Liverpool’s interest in swelling their youth ranks with quality, however, is admirable.

Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, Freddie Woodman and Kylian Mbappe have all been linked in recent months, while Polish goalkeeper Kamil Grabara arrived from Ruch Chorzow in January.