Liverpool have been given a firm response by Chelsea after reportedly making contact over a late move for forward Estevao. The Reds are said to have sent an enquiry to Chelsea for the Brazilian with only hours left in the transfer window.
The contact comes as Andoni Iraola begins his search for a potential replacement for Cody Gakpo, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City. It is reported that Liverpool would receive a fee of around £85 million if a deal goes through before Tuesday night's deadline.
Replacement options being explored
One potential replacement is Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr. Liverpool have already reportedly made a £50 million bid. They have also made offers for Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
As the search continues, Estevao has emerged as a new name. According to journalist Francois Planteau, the 19-year-old is a 'dream target' for Liverpool, but an enquiry to Chelsea led to them being told that the teenager is not for sale. Liverpool are now reportedly "weighing up" whether to submit an offer in order to test Chelsea's firm position.
Estevao's Chelsea record
Estevao has shown promise for Chelsea throughout the past year, despite battling fitness issues. Last season saw him net eight goals and contribute four assists across 36 outings in all competitions.
This term, he has featured twice, entering as a substitute in the season's opening fixture against Fulham, and completing 80 minutes during the League Cup victory over Luton Town. He remained on the bench throughout Sunday's 4-3 Premier League triumph against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Estevao arrived at Chelsea from Brazilian club Palmeiras last summer. A hamstring problem hampered the latter part of his season and prevented him from featuring in Brazil's squad for this summer's World Cup.
Iraola on transfer uncertainty
Giving an update on transfers following Saturday's 2-2 draw vs Nottingham Forest, Iraola said: "I cannot tell you anything right now but it is true that there are things going on and that is normal."
"We are in the last weeks of the market and now we have to wait to see the squad that we will have on September 2, and this is who we are. We will then work with certainties. Now everything is quite uncertain and same for every team. But this is how the competition works."
"So now wait just some more days and we work with what we have after the market closes."
The Reds are closing in on a £123 million move for PSG winger Bradley Barcola. The Frenchman is set to sign a five-year deal with the Reds and is believed to have undergone his medical over the weekend.
