Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool to win race for huge Champ talent available on the cheap

Fabio Carvalho, Fulham teenage winger scores a goal in pre-season friendly at Southampton

Liverpool are confident of securing the signature for Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho, despite the attention of several of Europe’s top clubs, TEAMtalk understands.

Carvalho has been pulling up trees with his performances for Marco Silva’s side this season. With three goals in six Championship appearances so far, it’s easy to see why the 19-year-old is a player in demand.

But with just six months left on his deal come January, the Cottagers may have little choice but to cash in.

The 19-year-old’s representatives have been locked in talks with Fulham for some time. However, it was revealed on Tuesday evening that the Cottagers’ final offer has now been rejected by Carvalho and his agent.

Craven Cottage sources remain confident they can persuade the 19-year-old to stay and the deal will be left on the table. However, they now accept time is not on their side.

A source told TEAMtalk: “The club is desperate to keep hold of Fabio and they are hopeful. But they realise he knows of the interest in him and it won’t be easy.”

Despite initial interest from Leeds and West Ham, it is Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton who are leading the chase in the Premier League.

However, we understand a host of teams from Europe are also looking to land the teenage winger.

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Benfica, Porto, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Lyon and Monaco are all keen to make a move for the outstanding young winger, having registered an interest with his agent.

Fulham would be due some compensation for Carvalho if they don’t agree a fee with an interested party. However, that will be hugely below his market value should he leave at the end of his contract.

Silva urged Carvalho last month to make a decision on his future so as not to impact his progress.

The Portuguese said: “He has to decide what he wants for his future as soon as possible. It’s important now not to disturb himself during this period.

“I hope those who are advising him advise him in the right way.”

The winger, who has a Portuguese father and was born in Lisbon, has been capped by England at youth level.

Michael Edwards’ parting gift to Liverpool

The capture of Carvalho could prove to be the final transfer business conducted at Anfield by Michael Edwards.

The 40-year-old is the mastermind of several recent transfer successes at Anfield. Indeed, he’s the man responsible for tying up deals for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson. He also triumphed in negotiating the incredible £142m deal sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona.

However, his contract expires in the summer and it seems an agreement over an extension is not forthcoming.

Having been linked with a move to Real Madrid, Edwards was reportedly being lined up by RB Leipzig.

However, their CEO Oliver Mintzlaff insists they are not looking to lure Edwards from Liverpool.

“Michael Edwards will not be our sporting director,” Mintzlaff told DAZN, via the Liverpool Echo.

“The fact is that we are looking for a sporting director who fits the club, our philosophy and direction.”

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