Liverpool 'register interest' in Gilberto
Liverpool have been warned they will face complications in their pursuit of Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora, sources have told Football Insider.
The 17-year-old burst onto the scene at the World Cup, where he played a key role in Mexico reaching the round of 16 before they were eventually eliminated by England.
His performances for his national team as well as Club Tijuana in Mexico have inspired interest from a number of elite clubs across European football.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Liverpool and other interested parties will struggle to sign the midfielder this summer.
Given his age at 17 years old, he wouldn't be permitted to move to Europe until he turns 18, placing an immediate road block in the way of any club's pursuit this summer.
He has also recently penned a new deal with his boyhood club Tijuana, placing them in a strong position to dictate his future despite the interest from elsewhere.
Could Liverpool make a move for Gilberto Mora?
Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Liverpool are plotting a move to sign Mora following his breakout tournament with Mexico at their home World Cup.
However, they will face competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Premier League giants, further complicating their pursuit.
As a result, a deal is highly unlikely to be agreed this summer, with clubs instead poised to move in January and closer to Mora's 18th birthday.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It won't just be Liverpool who are interested in Mora, you've probably got all of Europe's big guns who would be interested in the Mexican prodigy.
"Liverpool are one of those clubs who've registered an interest in Mora, keeping tabs on Mora.
"Obviously, it’s a bit complicated because he can't go anywhere just yet he's still only 17 so he would have to wait until he's 18 before making that move across to Europe.
"He recently signed a new deal with Tijuana as well, so that complicates things because his contract there is now set to run until 2029.
"Real Madrid are interested in him, you've got Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich.
"It's going to be an open race for Mora, and because he's so highly rated and one of the best young players in world football right now, you'll have all the biggest clubs in the world trying to sign him."
Where does Mora fit in Liverpool's transfer plans?
Liverpool's interest in Mora comes as they aim to accelerate their summer transfer plans, with the club looking to build a strong squad both now and for the future.
The addition of one of the world's most talented young players would always be a target for Liverpool, but there are also other key targets on their radar.
Football Insider revealed on 1 June that Liverpool are putting plans in place to improve their squad in at least three key positions following Andoni Iraola's arrival.
The Reds want to bolster their options with the additions of a new left-back, a right-sided winger and a holding midfielder, and work is ongoing towards those aims.
Iraola is hoping to bolster his squad for the upcoming season and for the future, as he aims to build on what ended up being a frustrating season at Anfield last time out.