Liverpool swoop for Lodeiro

Liverpool have made a late move for long-term transfer target Nicolas Lodeiro according to reports in Uruguay.

Lodeíro, 20, was expected to remain with Nacional for the upcoming Copa Libertadores campaign with reds boss Rafa Benítez preparing a summer bid.

Italian club Napoli, however, moved into pole position yesterday when president Aurelio De Laurentiis flew to Montevideo to secure a deal for the player.

It is understood that Napoli today lodged a bid of €5.5 million, a sum considerably below the market value for one of South America's hottest properties.

The Merseyside giants are expected to offer a deposit of £1 million with a view to completing the deal in the summer.

Both parties would be happy with this; Nacional would retain the player for the Libertadores and Liverpool could complete the deal at the end of the domestic campaign when funds will be available after sales.'

Last month Daniel Fonseca, the players agent, said he believed a move was too soon and first team football would benefit Lodeíro more.

Lodeíro is the archetypal 'trequartista', combining a high level of technical ability with the skill and intelligence to dictate the tempo of a game.

Despite his tender age, Loderío already has experience in the Copa Libertadores - the highest level of football on the continent - and he recently made his international debut for Uruguay.

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