Liverpool scouting Gremio star Luan amid Barcelona’s pursuit of Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool are reportedly stepping up their interest in Brazil international star Luan, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League side, who finished fourth in the English top-flight standings last term, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League, have been linked with the Gremio forward amid FC Barcelona’s bid to sign Philippe Coutinho this summer.

The 24-year-old, who has one international cap for his country after making his Brazil debut against Colombia back in January, has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 22 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit this season.

Luan, who represented his country at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and won gold, is thought to have been scouted by Reds officials during Wednesday night’s 2-1 Copa Libertadores victory over Godoy Cruz.

Luan of Gremio.

Dubbed the ‘new Ronaldinho’; the striker, who can also operate as a central attacking midfielder, has netted 32 times in 117 games overall for Gremio.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could be eyeing the Brazilian as a replacement for fellow countryman Coutinho, who was the subject of a failed £90m offer from Barcelona on Wednesday.