As the January transfer window approaches, the media rumour mill is starting to warm up again with reports of possible upcoming big-money moves. As usual, Liverpool are likely to be linked to a whole host of names, and have already been rumoured to be targeting Aly Cissokho, Philippe Coutinho and Seydou Keita.

Another player Kenny Dalglish is said to be interested in is Sao Paulo ’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas , full name Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva. According to reports, the Reds are prepared to offer £20 million for the 19-year-old, who is also a target for Manchester United , Real Madrid and AC Milan .

But is he worth the money? Club owners Fenway Sports Group have already shown they are willing to splash out big funds on youngsters with potential, bringing in the likes of Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson for considerable amounts. And the case for signing Lucas is strengthened by the fact that he has arguably shown much more potential than either of those two.

Having made his professional debut for Sao Paulo just last year, Lucas has since gone on to become a key player for the side. He made 25 appearances in the Brazilian Championship, the Campeonato Brasileiro, last season, and has again been a regular during this campaign, scoring eight goals in the process.

He was also a part of the Brazil Under-20 side which won the South American Youth Championship in Peru earlier this year, where he scored four goals in nine appearances. These impressive displays saw him earn a call up to the senior side, and he made his debut against Scotland in March.

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Article courtesy of Sean Mullan from Live4Liverpool