Liverpool could miss out on Brazilian starlet Kayki with Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt telling Globo Esporte Manchester City have thrown their hat in the ring.
The Reds are already in danger of losing their Premier League crown to their north west neighbours.
And unless they act fast, one of the most exciting young attackers to emerge in South America during the past 12 months could be honing his fearsome attacking talents at the Etihad rather than Anfield.
Earlier this week, UOL reported Liverpool were battling Shakhtar Donetsk for Kayki, three months after raiding Fluminense for much-admired goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.
But, when discussing interest in his prized asset, Bittencourt mentioned only one English giant by name – and it wasn’t Jurgen Klopp’s team.
“Manchester City have already informed us they will send an offer,” Bittencourt says of Kayki, whose representatives have turned down a new contract at Fluminense.
“We wanted to renew (his deal) for another three years. I can’t do it for more.”
Kayki has yet to force his way into the first-team picture at Fluminense but that doesn’t mean he won’t cost a staggering sum of money.
Globo Esporte reports Shakhtar, the Ukrainian giants who gave Willian, Douglas Costa, Fred and Fernandinho their big breaks in Europe, have offered £18 million.
Fluminense, knowing they have a special talent on their hands, want more.
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