Lucas Beraldo, a defender for Sao Paulo, is one of them guys. The 20-year-old is emerging as one of South America’s most promising defenders.

According to the Brazilian newspaper UOL, Liverpool is well aware of Beraldo’s potential.

They believe that with the teenager on the radar for selection to the Brazil national team, the Reds have jumped ahead of the competition to recruit him.

Although Beraldo might benefit from more experience before joining the likes of Alisson Becker in Fernando Diniz’s team, Liverpool are claimed to ‘know very well’ of his potential.

Liverpool is leading the race for Beraldo

Liverpool look to have increased their scouting efforts in South America in recent months.

In addition to persistent ties to Andre Trindade, the Reds are said to be interested in Gabriel Moscardo and Federico Redondo.

Although they have yet to sign any of these promising young players, you get the idea that one is not far away.

For a long time, it appeared that Andre would be that man. However, with ties to the 22-year-old dwindling, Beraldo might take his place.

After all, Liverpool appears to be looking to add a left-sided center-back to their team. Beraldo, unsurprisingly considering the connections, fits the description.

As UOL mentions, he is still a little raw and would require patience if he made the move to Anfield.

However, with rumors that Beraldo could soon be a full international, it would appear to be a wise signing for Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk shows no signs of slowing down for the time being. As a result, you could imagine a scenario in which Beraldo steps in and temporarily replaces Virgil.

As a growing talent, the centre-back is said to have a release clause of roughly £52 million [Trivela]. While it’s difficult to imagine Liverpool parting with that, it appears like they’ll be on the hunt for Beraldo.