It appears that Liverpool have opened preliminary talks to sign Kevin Mantilla, a talented 19-year-old Colombian defender who caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp and top European clubs.
Liverpool have reportedly opened discussions over a possible move for Colombian defender Kevin Mantilla following his impressive performances at the South American Under-20 Championship, according to sources close to the club.
The 19-year-old is said to have caught the attention of the Premier League side’s talent scouts during the tournament which recently concluded.
In light of this, Liverpool has since held talks to explore the possibility of a deal for Mantilla, with plans for the move to take place in the upcoming summer transfer window.
While Liverpool has shown a keen interest in the player, it is believed that they may face competition from other top-flight teams. Mantilla, who currently plays for Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia, is a versatile defender capable of playing as a centre-back or right-back, with the majority of his appearances coming in central defence.
With 25 senior appearances already to his name, Mantilla’s ability to play in multiple positions could prove to be a valuable asset for Liverpool, who have suffered from defensive issues in the past.
The rising star operated on the right side of the defence for the Colombia Under-20s during the recent tournament, in which they finished in third place.