Liverpool have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Gremio forward Luan, as Lazio could agree a deal for the 25-year-old, reports the Mirror.

The Brazilian international was linked with a move to Anfield, but Lazio appear to be leading the race for his signature. Inter Milan are also rumoured to be interested in Luan, who is rated at £22m.

Having joined Gremio from Grêmio Catanduvense, the talented attacker has risen through the youth ranks to the first-team and has gone on to make 145 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 74 goals.

Luan wouldn’t command a starting place at Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino preferred in attack under Jurgen Klopp, but he’d provide adequate cover.

With the futures of Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi uncertain, Liverpool might need to shop in the transfer market for a replacement. Luan would bring more goals to the squad, having contributed 13 goals in 20 Serie A games in 2017, but Liverpool could lose out to Lazio.

The Mirror say the Italian outfit have lodged a £13.2m bid for Luan, but Gremio are looking for £9m more before they consider letting him leave the Arena do Grêmio. Whether Liverpool make an offer remains to be seen.