Transfer Rumor: Is Lucas Liverpool's Next South-American Magician?

There has been a growing South-American contingent recently at Liverpool.

Lucas Leiva has become a deserved mainstay at defensive midfield, Luis Suarez has become a genuine superstar and we wait with anticipation to see the impact that Sebastian Coates will have.

The last few days have seen rumors grow regarding the possible transfer of another phenomenally talented South American: Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva.

Although any move would be some time in coming to fruition, here are some reasons to keep an eye on another Brazilian called Lucas.

The Boy's a Bit Special

Simply known as Lucas, this 19-year-old attacking midfielder plays for Sao Paulo and was in the Copa America squad for Brazil this summer.

Lucas has appeared seven times in the Campeonata Paulista—the Brazilian football league—for Sao Paulo this year and has scored four goals.

Keen to keep their young superstar, Sao Paulo slapped an extraordinary €80 million price tag on Lucas in an attempt to scare off interested clubs.

However, this is unlikely to deter European clubs—including Liverpool—for long.

The Classic Brazilian International

Having gained a position in Brazil's Under 20 squad, Lucas scored four goals in nine games and was quickly promoted to the full senior team where he has appeared four times.

The classic Brazilian international is a fast, skillful and imaginative player—an image Lucas fits perfectly.

In the video above, Lucas is playing at right-wing for the Brazil U-21 side.

He runs quickly from deep, picks up a flick on and scores with a superb chip over the keeper.

An instinctive finisher, he can play on the right or left and contribute goals from midfield.

Pace, Flair, Technique

What impresses me most about Lucas is his willingness to run at defenders—sometimes the whole defense—with a complete absence of fear.

His close control is astonishing at times. It seems almost effortless for him to keep the ball so close to his feet that it makes getting the ball from him incredibly difficult without drawing a foul.

Many modern wingers knock the ball past a player and run, relying on pure pace, which gives a window of opportunity for a defender to step in.

This isn't the case with Lucas; his close control technique reminds me of John Barnes—though of course they are very different players.

Deadly in Front of Goal

In the 6-0 hammering of Uruguay, Lucas showed the pace and control I mentioned earlier, as well as a willingness to shoot from tight angles—with the accuracy to make it count.

The idea of Suarez dropping off and linking up with this talented young player is simply mouth-watering.

Inter Milan have apparently joined the chase for Lucas, but Liverpool apparently already have an edge: another player called Lucas.

Lucas Leiva is the roommate of Lucas, and as we have seen in the case of Suarez and Coates, that can be a very advantageous situation for Liverpool.

Could Lucas Soon Be Wearing the Liver Bird?

Of course Lucas' transfer remains pure speculation, and any possible move could be quite some time in the future.

If Liverpool could obtain Lucas' signature, it would be a massive coup and signal the full scope of the club's ambitions.

However, whether Lucas does end up on Merseyside or not, one thing is for sure: isn't it wonderful to be linked to players of this quality rather than chasing Carlton Cole?