Liverpool get transfer answer from £26m 'new Adriano' | OneFootball

Liverpool restocked their forward line last summer - adding Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.

But there are signs that sporting director Richard Hughes isn’t done yet - with several attacking players still appearing on the club’s radar.

And given the Reds’ reputation at developing young talents Anfield has become an attractive destination for the world’s elite youngsters.

Recently the club have secured English wonderkids Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha to professional deals. And the wheels keep on turning at academy level too with Mor Talla Ndiaye signed up and a deal for Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe edging closer.

Rayan on Liverpool's radar

But not every youngster can be convinced of the pathway on offer on Merseyside - with reports emerging that a top Brazil forward talent has TURNED DOWN the opportunity to join Liverpool.

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Rayan, 19, is due to leave his origin club Vasco da Gama imminently and join Bournemouth in the Premier League.

A deal to replace Antonie Semenyo has been done by the Cherries at around £26m according to reports - with versatile attacker Rayan convinced by the project on offer on the South Coast.

Rayan - who can play either at centre-forward or right wing - believes that a pathway to regular first-team football is available at the Vitality Stadium.

Rayan says NO to Liverpool

And for that reason, reports TEAMtalk, he turned down the chance to move to the 20-time English champions.

“The player has shunned interest from some of England’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool,” the report reads.

“Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle have scouted the player heavily in the last 12-months and all have been looking closely at making an offer.

“However, it is believed Rayan has been sold by the project at Bournemouth, given that the route to the first team is clear."

Only time will tell whether or not this is a damaging deal from Liverpool’s perspective. With Ekitike overworked, Isak out injured and Mo Salah’s future uncertain, Arne Slot could certainly have done with a boost in the forward ranks this winter.

“Rayan’s playing style has been compared with that of legendary Brazilian striker Adriano,” the report continues, “and Vasco manager Fernando Diniz has described him as a ‘very rare’ and ‘special talent’.”