Emile Heskey has urged his former club Liverpool to pursue a stunning move for Chelsea's young forward Estevao, who has struggled for regular game time this season.
The 19-year-old Brazilian impressed in his first Premier League start of the campaign against Manchester United last weekend, but has otherwise been limited to just 134 minutes of league action under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Heskey's verdict on Estevao
Speaking to Eldorado, Heskey said Estevao would be a 'great signing' for Liverpool, highlighting the directness the club has lacked since Mohamed Salah's departure.
'You look at what he would bring, his drive on the ball and everything, he's a very tidy player, and that is exactly what Liverpool still miss after losing Mohamed Salah, someone who is more direct,' Heskey said.
'It would put pressure on the other wingers who are great players as well but it ups the ante, and he'd love the chance to get more chances to show what he can do because he's been out of the reckoning at times for someone of his talent.'
Alonso's stance on Estevao's future
Reports earlier in the season suggested Estevao had grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities under Alonso, who has insisted the forward has a bright future at Chelsea.
Speaking before Estevao's start against United, Alonso dismissed any possibility of a January loan exit, saying: 'No discussions about that.'
'It's no secret that all players want to be on the pitch. When any of them haven't had enough minutes because of my decision, I have to take the responsibility for that,' Alonso added.
'But everyone has to be ready because in any game they could be important. Este, his training and his attitude has been good.'
Selection headache ahead
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Estevao could soon become a selection problem for Alonso, particularly when Joao Pedro returns from injury after the international break.
'He's exciting. He's great to watch,' Gerrard said on The Overlap. 'Your typical Brazilian, where it's about flair, it's about quality, but I really like that he's very direct. I like that he's hungry to get shots off.'
'So, he's desperate to impress the manager. And he's going to give Xabi a problem when Joao Pedro comes back, because Pedro Neto's a great player as well, but five doesn't go into that front four, so it's going to be interesting.'
