Liverpool involved in European bidding war to land Brazil striker

Leandro Damiao surprised many last winter by deciding to stay with his native Brazilian club Internacional, while being coveted by some of the world’s biggest clubs including the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool, Tottenham and Inter Milan.

However, the 22-year-old striker’s agent has now alerted these giants, along with a host of other sides with Champions League aspirations, to the availability of his client this summer.

Damaio was enticed by the prospect of following up Internacional’s Copa Libertadores triumph by achieveing consecutive titles with the club in 2011, but his agent has confirmed that the player would be more open to listen to offers this time round.

He said: “From Italy there were several enquiries, but no formal negotiations with Inter or with other teams. In January, the club and the player decided to continue with a view to the Copa Libertadores.

“But in July the situation could change. If there is a good deal for the club and the player.”

Tottenham and Liverpool are believed to have re-ignited an interest amid this news, while the aforementioned elite clubs of Europe continue to monitor the explosive striker, who has won four caps for Brazil so far.

With Spurs likely Champions League qualifiers, they will be eager to add to their strikeforce to boost their chances of a run in the tournament, and could go all out for the player.

There is no doubt that competing in the Champions League would greatly aid Damiao’s development, and bolster his chances of appearing at the 2014 World Cup to be held in Brazil.

Involvement in that tournament is sure to be one of the main goals of the pacey goal-grabber, and he will have to plot his next move very carefully.

Still contracted with Internacional until 2016, the club would demand an excessive fee for their prize asset’s services, but such is the stature of the clubs linked with Damaio, it is unlikely to seriously deter any of them from making a bid.