Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has reportedly been approached by MLS side St Louis City SC ahead of his exit from the Premier League side this summer.
Firmino announced earlier this season that he would leave Liverpool at the end of his current contract, which expires on June 30. The Brazilian has continued to prove his ability since making his decision, and an influx of offers from around Europe and the rest of the world are expected.
But according to MLS insider Tom Bogert, following initial interest St Louis have now officially approached Firmino regarding a summer switch. Inter Milan have also been in contact with the 31-year-old, but St Louis have a potential advantage in the transfer race due to their sporting director.
The sporting director at St Louis City is Lutz Pfannenstiel, a former director at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Firmino joined Liverpool from Hoffenheimin 2015, and Pfannestiel was working there at the time.
MLS is the fastest growing soccer league in the world, and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for some of the best talents in Europe. It's likely that other MLS sides will be interested in Firmino, but there's no better team than St Louis so far this season.
The newest franchise in MLS have been in record form, winning six of their first eight games since being founded. They sit on a league-best 18 points in the early weeks of the season, scoring more goals (20) than any other side during that time.
St Louis will be hoping that their sporting director can secure the deal, linking up with Firmino for the first time in eight years. But the Brazilian has also been heavily linked with a move to Serie A, with Inter also showing major interest in the soon to be free agent.
But in St Louis it would give Firmino the chance to become the face of the franchise, and write his name into the early history books of the side. He'd also join an elite list of players to make the switch to MLS, following in the footsteps of former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane and Xherdan Shaqiri.
Firmino has time to mull over a decision, and joining MLS would mean that his summer break would be scrapped due to the difference in season dates. Firmino is free to sign for a new team on July 1, ending his incredible tenure at Liverpool.
