Transfers

Liverpool really like ‘special’ £12m youngster who scouts are likening to Luka Modric

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Liverpool have become increasingly adept at picking up young players and giving them opportunities in the first-team.

Some exceptional prospects are coming through at the Liverpool academy but the Reds have also been brilliant at identifying and bringing in top talent from elsewhere.

While this has often been focused towards signing youngsters from rival English and British clubs, Liverpool have not been averse to looking further afield for talents, too.

And Rousing The Kop understands that Liverpool have now set their sights on Red Star Belgrade midfielder Andrija Maksimovic.

Maksimovic has been a breakout player for Red Star this season, even making his senior international debut for Serbia in October.

And it’s understood that his performances have caught the eye of Liverpool, who are watching his progress closely.

Andrija Maksimovic of FC Crvena Zvezda seen in action during
Photo by Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Andrija Maksimovic likened to Luka Modric

Liverpool could do with a midfielder over the coming transfer window and the feeling is that Maksimovic could be one who fits the bill.

Scouts familiar with the 17-year-old have described him as having ‘a bit of Luka Modric’ about him and the overriding impression is that Maksimovic is a special talent.

Those to have watched the Serbian international for Red Star and at international level report being impressed by his level already.

READ MORE: Liverpool concretely interested in signing £34m Bundesliga player

Although Maksimovic has played just 10 times for his club and twice for Serbia, his technical ability has shone through to those who have been keeping tabs on his progress.

RTK understands that talent spotters believe the youngster has shown himself to be the right profile of midfielder for Liverpool and could thrive if transferred to an English club.

Furthermore, it’s understood that Maksimovic could be get-able for a relatively low price from Red Star. A fee of around £12m has been mooted in the media.

Who is Andrija Maksimovic

Maksimovic has been making waves across Europe this season and has come to a wider attention following his displays in the Champions League.

Having only turned 17 in June, the left-footed midfielder is still incredibly young, but the feeling is that he’ll get his move sooner rather than later.

Maksimovic came through in a duel ownership at second division side Graficar Beograd where he played 29 times, scoring nine goals, before joining Red Star last season.

Eight appearances this term have so far not led to a goal, but Maksimovic has been catching the eye of all of Europe’s top sides regardless.