Liverpool ‘close in on £26m deal’ to sign Gremio star Luan dubbed “the new Ronaldinho”

Liverpool are closing in on a £26 million swoop for Brazil's Olympics star Luan dubbed the "new Ronaldinho".

The Mirror is reporting that Jurgen Klopp has been scouting the Gremio star for a year and is now ready to sanction a big money move for the 24-year-old.

The Reds are ready to pay £26m for the forward and have been handed a major boost after Luan – who scored the most goals in the Brazilian top flight for Gremio last season with six –  turned down a new contract with the Brazilian side last month.

The attacker's current deal is due to expire next year and that has forced Gremio to open negotiations with a host of European clubs about a potential transfer.

Liverpool are believed to head the queue to sign Luan having agreed to Gremio's transfer fee demands and are also confident of convincing the forward to sign with them, particularly if they secure Champions League football.

Luan helped Brazil to claim the gold medal in last year's Olympic games and has been linked with a move to Europe ever since.

Klopp is reportedly eager to pair Luan with Philippe Coutinho in Liverpool's attack next campaign.