Liverpool’s move for 18-year-old star is more than speculation — Massimo Celino

Brescia owner Massimo Celino have confirmed the Reds interest in one of his players Sandro Tonali.

We reported earlier that Jurgen Klopp has been credited with an interest in the Italian youngster — who plays for Serie B side Brescia — as Klopp look set to offload Adam Lallana by the end of the season.

It was initially thought to be one of the baseless transfer rumors that often make headlines during transfer periods, however, it is more than just speculation.

According to Celino, Jurgen Klopp has contacted him over the possibility of signing the 18-year-old to Anfield this winter.

The hierarchy also revealed Roma’s desire to compete with the Reds for the Italian services. He said Roma manager Mauro Baldissoni met with him some months ago to negotiate a deal for Tonali but he rejected the offer because he’s wasn’t ready to lose such a great talent.

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“We talked about him with [Roma general manager Mauro] Baldissoni several times. But I want to keep the boy as long as possible. A little while ago, Liverpool also contacted me.” Celino confirmed Liverpool interest in Tonali.

The teenager is a highly-rated in his home country and has been likened to Italian great Andrea Pirlo because he shares similar traits with the former Juventus midfielder.

Since breaking into Brescia’s first-team squad in 2017, Tonali has played just 37 games but his fame continues to grow due to fine performances for the team.

This season has seen him featured in 18 matches across all competitions, he has one goal and five assists to his name despite playing as a holding midfielder more often than he would have loved.

Chelsea are also linked with the youngster’s signature, though Celino didn’t add that to his comment while speaking to reporters on Friday.