Liverpool have set their sights on Udinese’s Simone Pafundi, according to Goal.com.
The Reds are reportedly eyeing the 17-year-old alongside Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Liverpool are likely to bolster their ranks in the summer, particularly in midfield.
And Pafundi, who mostly plies his trade as a playmaker, is an interesting shout for the Reds.
The Italian has only just turned 17, but has already made his senior debuts for Udinese and for the Azzurri.
Pafundi’s efforts and potential have led to Goal.com naming him in their NxGn 2023 list.
Every year, the website publishes a list of who they deem to be the best 50 youngsters in world football.
Pafundi made the cut, and Goal.com also commented on apparent interest in him from Anfield.
“Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup has offered manager Roberto Mancini some time to start planning for the future,” they wrote.
“And the Azzurri boss has been able to hand out debuts to a number of youngsters over the past 12 months.
“The least experienced to make their full international bow was Pafundi, with the 17-year-old playmaker becoming the youngest player to represent Italy for over 100 years.
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“A diminutive playmaker, Pafundi has also broken into the senior side at Udinese but has clubs from around Europe tracking his progress.
“With reports suggesting that Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid are all watching him closely.”
Football Talent Scout published a report about Pafundi in 2022.
Jacek Kulig said he was like a “hybrid of Leo Messi and David Silva”.
The article also features quotes from Udinese chief scout Andrea Carnevale singing Pafundi’s praises.
“He’s a kid who already plays in the Primavera, he has Diego Maradona’s little foot,” he said.
“He is an extraordinary talent especially in the head. When the ball arrives he already knows what to do.”
All in all, Pafundi looks like a player with amazing talent who could develop into a world-class talent.
However, he is still relatively untested at senior level, and with that in mind, he may not be a priority for Liverpool.
Since the Reds could do with a first-team ready midfielder, Jude Bellingham will no doubt remain their top target.
In other news, £30m winger linked with Liverpool as Sadio Mane replacement available
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