Liverpool chase the new 'Ronaldo'

A trio of Premier League teams have joined the race to sign Sporting Lisbon youngster Zezinho, according to TalkSport.

Italian giants AC and Inter Milan have been reportedly after the winger, who is dubbed the 'new Cristiano Ronaldo', but now they have been joined by three top teams in England.

Those teams are Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and, according to sources in Portugal, Sporting have slapped a £17 million asking price on him - the same amount they eventually sold Ronaldo to Manchester United for.

Despite revealing they are willing to fund the signing of one 'world class player', Liverpool's new owners have stressed to manager Roy Hodgson he has to keep an eye out for young talent.

The new philosophy of bringing youth through the Anfield ranks, just like Arsenal currently do, has been embraced by Hodgson and the signing of this 18-year-old would enhance their academy - which has produce some top English players in recent years.

Arsene Wenger is a keen advocate of concentrating on bringing young players to the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners manager is well known for his ability to persuade players to join Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are set to scrap their policy of recruiting the top players in favour of a more sensible approach concentrating on young talent and building their youth ranks at Eastlands.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.