13 January 2024 , 16:25
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Liverpool have made contact with Argentinean side CA Talleres over Colombian prospect Kevin Mantilla, but might have competition for the starlet.
Talleres' president Andres Fassi has indicated the Reds have already spoken to the side about the 20-year-old, though Brighton have done the same. Both sides have turned to the South American market of late, with Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister joining the Seagulls direct from Argentinos Juniors before eventually making a summer switch to Anfield.
Mantilla only joined Talleres over the summer after coming through the ranks of Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe. Liverpool are said to have been tracking the player for some time, while recognising potential work visa obstacles, with his form in Argentina keeping him on their radar.
Late last year, reports in Colombia indicated Jurgen Klopp's side were monitoring Mantilla without making direct contact. However, Fassi's latest comments suggest the situation has changed.
“It’s true, they have been following him for four months now," Fassi said, as reported by La Voz (via Sport Witness ). "And they asked us for information about his physical records.”
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A January move appears unlikely, though, with Fassi indicating he would not be entertaining a move just a few months after bringing Mantilla to Cordoba. The centre-back played eight times in the second half of last season, with Talleres qualifying for the Copa Libertadores.
Mantilla has yet to win a senior Colombia cap, but was part of the Under-20 side which took third place in the South American Championship in 2023. He was also part of the squad which reached the quarter-finals of the Under-20 World Cup, losing to eventual tournament runners-up Italy.
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Kevin Mantilla played for Colombia at the 2023 Under-20 World Cup (Tim Nwachukwu - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool have already been busy in the January transfer window when it comes to players leaving the club. Fabio Carvalho, Marcelo Pitaluga, Vitezslav Jaros and Luke Chambers have all been sent out on loan, while young striker Paul Glatzel made a permanent move to Swindon Town.
Carvalho made his Hull debut on Friday in a defeat against Norwich, with fellow Liverpool loanee Tyler Morton scoring the Tigers' goal. Earlier in the month, Hull boss Liam Rosenior talked up the Portugal Under-21 star, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
"Technically, he’s outstanding," Rosenior told club media. "He can assist, score and run in behind. He’s brave, quick, very balanced and takes the ball.
“The reason he’s at Liverpool is because he’s got enormous potential and I can’t thank them enough for trusting us; Liverpool have seen the work we’ve done with Tyler Morton. Fábio’s got the ability to make a real impact on our season and get us to where we want to be.”