Rumour: Liverpool looking to beat Napoli for Jorginho signature

Liverpool are believed to be making a late attempt to snatch highly rated midfielder Jorginho from under Napoli’s hands.

The 22-year old Brazil-born midfielder has had a largely impressive season with Serie A side Hellas Verona after also helping them secure promotion from Serie B last year. The playmaker has made 18 starts for Hellas Verona in the current Serie A season and his 7 goals and 3 assists have been a huge factor in the newly promoted side being just 5 points off the Champions League spots.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be interested in the youngster as he sees Jorginho as a long-term replacement for Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. While Rodger’s policy of building a team around young players might force Jorginho to consider a move to Anfield, Liverpool will face stiff competition from Napoli to sign the talented midfielder.

Napoli boss Rafa Benitez has already expressed his interest in the player and believes that a deal for the player will be wrapped up in January.

“Jorginho is a player we have been following for a long time,” Benitez told Radio Kiss Kiss.

“I have full confidence in the work of our sporting director Riccardo Bigon. He has always done well and we are working together at 100 per cent. We did some good things in the transfer market last summer.

“Of course, we would prefer to sign Italian players in the transfer market as the adaptation period is easier. We are looking but it is not always easy to get the best Italian players to join Napoli.”

With Napoli having all but sealed a move for the Italian, Liverpool will have to act quickly if they are to acquire the services of Jorginho.