Liverpool are monitoring Chicago Fire and Colombia attacker Jhon Duran, according to reports.
Pipe Sierra, a journalist who provided insights into Liverpool’s move for Luis Diaz back in January, has suggested that the same scout who ‘followed’ the former Porto winger - who joined last season for an initial £37million - has been sent in Chicago to monitor another promising Colombian.
He wrote on Twitter: "The same #Liverpool scout who followed Luis Díaz has gone to see Jhon Jáder Durán (18). ‘The Reds’ already know the conditions and that for €10M #ChicagoFire would let the Colombian go". Several clubs across Europe are also reportedly keeping tabs on the young star, with Chelsea, Lille, Frankfurt and PSV Eindhoven all named by Sierra as interested parties.
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American football reporter Tom Bogert reported on similar claims yesterday, posting on Twitter: "Big clubs in Europe are following Chicago Fire wonderkid Jhon Duran. Reports say Liverpool, Chelsea in the chase. Expecting $10m+ offers to come as soon as this winter for the 18 y/o. Fire signed Duran for up to $2.5m. Made his Colombia debut last week".
Duran enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in America - where he plays alongside Xherdan Shaqiri - racking up eight goals and six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions since his debut in February. The 18-year-old made his senior debut for Colombia in September, coming on as a half-time substitute for Radamel Falcao in their 4-1 win against Guatemala, and also featured in the 3-2 win against Mexico.
Any Reds scouts in attendance over the weekend will have been hugely impressed, with the Medellin-born forward scoring two well-taken goals to help Chicago beat Cincinnati. Fire coach Ezra Hendrickson was full of praise for the Colombian, describing him as a "player that, once he gets it all together, he can be a really, really special player. He has all the tools."
While it remains to be seen if interest in Duran is genuine, the ECHO understands Liverpool's scouting network is keeping tabs on a host of up-and-coming talent across the globe as they look to strengthen their squad.
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