By Sean Fisher

18th Sep, 2022 | 2:23pm

Liverpool scouts monitor Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes - Fabrizio Romano

Liverpool scouts are currently “monitoring” the progress of 21-year-old midfielder Joao Gomes, according to Fabrizio Romano.

After a poor start to the season, Liverpool are already planning further transfer business, with Flamengo’s Gomes high up on the Reds’ watchlist.

Gomes has been a part of Flamengo’s first team since 2020, and he’s since made over 30 appearances for the side and scored one goal.

The Brazilian midfielder would help add some much-needed depth to Liverpool’s ageing midfield, and Italian journalist Romano has confirmed the club are keeping a keen eye on his performances.

“Liverpool scouts have been monitoring Joao Gomes,” wrote Romano via his Daily Briefing on CaughtOffside.

A January investment?

With Romano confirming that Liverpool are interested in Gomes, could we see a deal completed as early as January?

Liverpool move notoriously fast when it comes to the transfer market, with the Merseyside club preferring to secure their targets before the chaos and stress of deadline day approaches.

Arthur Melo has failed to impress at Anfield since arriving in the summer from Juventus, and a number of recurring injuries to Thiago and Naby Keita have often left Jurgen Klopp light in the heart of midfield. Liverpool desperately need reinforcements if they are to turn this season around, and that could call for a spending spree in January.

Furthermore, with a number of other top clubs circling the talented Brazilian, an early move would help tie down his long-term future at Liverpool.

Not only would Gomes be a shrewd investment for the Reds, but he’d also directly improve Liverpool’s first team squad – it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on this January.

In other Liverpool news, a European football expert has confirmed Harvey Elliott to a Real Madrid legend