Liverpool could be beaten to the signing of Brazilian teenager Wesley Gassova, with West Ham reportedly opening talks over a potential move. The Reds are said to have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old, as well as other young talents in South America.

Palmeiras midfielder Luis Guilherme, who has been likened to ex-Barcelona and AC Milan icon Ronaldinho, has already emerged as a potential transfer target. The Daily Mail reported last month that Liverpool was one of a number of clubs watching the youngster.

Now it appears that Wesley is on the radar after The Standard claimed he had attracted interest from Anfield. New sporting director Richard Hughes is set to lead on transfer business, with incoming head coach Arne Slot also involved in identifying targets.

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Any interested club may have to act fast though with West Ham in pole position for the winger. Wesley is said to have been identified as a top target for Hammers sporting director Tim Steidten, with talks underway.

The deal is likely to be a complicated one though as current club Corinthians only owns 70 per cent of the player's rights, with the rest belonging to his representatives. Corinthians reportedly value the teenager at $33m (£26m/€30m).

Wesley made his first-team debut aged just 17 in 2020 and has scored four times for the Brazilian side. It is reported that Atlético Madrid and Real Betis are also interested.

Wesley was in action for Corinthians on Sunday night, playing the full 90 minutes as his side was held by Fortaleza. Corinthians has won just one of its five matches this term, and sits 14th in the table.

West Ham has already confirmed that manager David Moyes will step down at the end of the season but that has not stopped Steidten getting to work in identifying targets. Ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is tipped to replace the Scot this summer.

Liverpool.com says: The Reds are right to be scouring the world for the best young talents and Wesley appears to be a very bright talent. He is already catching the eye of some top clubs across Europe and that explains why West Ham has moved so fast. Liverpool should be stepping up its interest too, if he remains a target, as his valuation could soar considerably if he moves to the London Stadium and hits the ground running in the Premier League.