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Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Lucas Paqueta, but Liverpool must snatch the 21 year-old if they want to stay ahead of their arch-rivals.

What's the story?

According to reports in France, Manchester United have joined Liverpool, Manchester City and PSG in the race for Paqueta.

The 21-year-old has shot to fame in the last couple of months due to his incredible form in the Brazilian league, combining technical skill with a truly remarkable work rate.

Liverpool have been very savvy in the transfer market since Jürgen Klopp arrived, and the Reds simply must win the race for Paqueta, who could finally be their replacement for Philippe Coutinho.

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Coutinho 2.0?

Liverpool fans may have forgotten all about Coutinho’s departure after their incredible start to the season, but the Reds actually don’t have an awful lot of creativity in midfield. Paqueta could play anywhere across Klopp’s midfield, but would be perfect in the more advanced role that Coutinho occupied before his move to Barcelona.

The youngster has scored six times in 21 league appearances for Flamengo this season, and his remarkable combination of physicality, athleticism, skill, creativity and intelligence has made him the hottest commodity in South American football.

He averages 1.4 chances created per game, while also completing two dribbles per game and firing an incredible three shots per game. Where he differs to Coutinho is his defensive work rate, averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

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The youngster has all the tools to be a huge hit in the Premier League, and Liverpool will regret it for a long time if he moves to Old Trafford. Paqueta could be everything Coutinho was for the Reds but with more defensive contribution and a better fit for Klopp’s high-tempo system.

So, Liverpool fans, do you think you can win the race for Paqueta? Would you like to sign him? See him in action here and let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…