Reported Liverpool transfer target Gavi has ranked tenth in a list of the world’s top players aged twenty-one and under.
The list, gathered by ESPN, featured the 17-year-old ahead of the likes of Arsenal duo Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli.
Borussia Dortmunds’ Erling Haaland came out on top, while another player reportedly on Liverpool’s radar – Jude Bellingham – came in fourth.
The runner up was Gavi’s Barcelona teammate Pedri, while Manchester City’s Phil Foden completed the top three.
Outside of the reported targets, there was surprisingly no Liverpool interest in the 39-strong list. Curtis Jones is claimed to have ‘only just’ missed the cut, whereas Harvey Elliott missed too many games through injury this season to be considered.
Liverpool on Gavi’s trail
Gavi’s name has frequently cropped up in regards to Liverpool’s transfer targets this summer. That’s likely to be the case until the teenager signs a new contract at Barcelona.
Your Club's SURPRISE Star This Season
Less than two weeks ago, Sport reported that Liverpool had ‘stepped up’ their interest in the central-midfielder.
That came hot on the heels of journalist Gerard Romero claiming on Twitter that The Reds had already agreed a contract with Gavi in March.
The youngster’s contract currently contains a release clause of around £42m (Marca). With just over a year left to run on his deal, Barcelona are desperate to negotiate a new one, with a much higher buyout clause.
Negotiations appear to be dragging on though, which could open the door for Liverpool.
The Spain international has had a breakout year in Catalonia. To rank ahead of someone like Smith Rowe, who has scored 10 Premier League and generally been superb, shows just how high his potential is.
If Liverpool could snap him up for the release clause being mentioned, that would be a fantastic piece of business.