Everton and Liverpool reportedly want Flamengo ace Reinier.
Flamengo defender Filipe Luis has told SporTV in Brazil that Everton target Reinier does remind him of former AC Milan hero Kaka.
Flamengo lost star playmaker Lucas Paqueta to Milan earlier this year, and they have been receiving interest in fellow attacking midfield prospect Reinier too.
Everton have been the strongest suitor, with Globo Esporte reporting that they wanted him this past summer, but ended up backing away from a move in an attempt to sign him for cheaper when his contract runs down.
The Daily Mail even claim that Liverpool and Manchester City are going head to head for the 17-year-old, meaning a fierce battle is already underway for the teenager.
Reinier had been playing for Flamengo’s Under-20’s, but has now emerged into the first team, and notched a goal and an assist in his first start last weekend.
The playmaker has earned comparisons to former Milan star and 2007 Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, and teammate Luis – who played in the Premier League with Chelsea – explained why he thinks the comparisons are fair, even if Reinier is still developing.
“He is similar (to Kaka),” said Luis. “He plays with his chest raised, his stride… he stands out with his final ball, chooses the best pass, he is calm. Of course, he is new and still developing,” he added.
Those attributes will be exciting to Everton and Liverpool, and if he continues to thrive in the Flamengo first team, he will no doubt be the subject of big bids in the near future.
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