Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Who Is Reds Target Bernard?

The latest name to be churned out of the Liverpool transfer rumour mill is Atletico Mineiro and Brazil starlet Bernard.

The rumour was originally reported by Sports Direct News, not a source famed for their reliability. However, the link is an interesting one regardless.

Bernard is the latest in a golden generation of attackers emerging from Brazil, following in the footsteps of Neymar, Oscar and Lucas Moura.

With five caps to his name for Brazil, the young forward is already making a name for himself in the Brasileirao and also impressed in a cameo role against Uruguay, lifting the roof off the Mineirao when Atletico fans saw their local hero take to the field.

No wonder then that Bernard is set to be the next Brazilian to depart for Europe. But with a reported five offers on the table, according to Sky Sports, and a €25 million price tag, the Atletico star will certainly not come cheap.

With Liverpool heavily linked, this would represent a huge coup for the Reds if they were to land the player, with the likes of FC Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Tottenham and Borussia Dortmund reported to be interested.

However, Spurs' interest has seemingly cooled, and Dortmund have just sealed the signings of Armenian attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Saint-Etienne forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

So a late move from the Reds could see them in pole position, but they will have to compete with FC Porto, who hold the advantage.

Because while Liverpool may have to pay the full asking price for Bernard, the Portuguese giants could seal the signing for just half of €25 million.

This is due to their relationship with BMG's investment arm, who own 50% of Bernard's transfer rights, which have seen them sign countless South American stars while allowing BMG to retain their stake.

But Liverpool cannot do that as, according to the FA's laws, third-party ownership is banned in the Premier League, forcing them to pay the full €25 million if they want Bernard.

But with money left over from the failed Mkhitaryan bid, Liverpool could do worse than invest that cash in this brilliant youngster from Belo Horizonte.

Fellow B/R writer Karl Matchett has already discussed how the Atletico Mineiro star could fit into Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' system, providing a perfect solution should Luis Suarez decide to pack his bags for Real Madrid.

Should the Uruguayan leave, Bernard would slot into the left side of the attack, and with Coutinho in the No. 10 role and new signing Iago Aspas on the right, the Reds would have a potent attack with Daniel Sturridge as the spearhead.

A move for Bernard would solve many of Liverpool's potential issues in attack and leave cash for much-needed defensive reinforcements. 

The lack of reports surrounding the move may suggest that Bernard is not a top priority for the Reds, but with FC Porto looming, Brendan Rodgers will have to move fast to secure this signing if he is a target.