Anfield side pursue up and coming Brazilian.
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Sources suggest that Liverpool are preparing a move for Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker and long-term Manchester United target, Douglas Costa.
Costa recently signed a contract extension with Shakhtar that will keep him at the Ukrainian giants until 2017, however with the financial muscle New England Sports Ventures have been flexing since their takeover, a move could be made possible.
Costa impressed greatly during his time at Gremio and before signing for Shakhtar Donetsk in 2010, the attacking midfielder was being strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford.
A move failed to materialised however, but the 21 year-old has flourished in Donetsk, making a name for himself as an explosive and creative midfielder following his exploits in both the Champions League and Europa League.
If a move were to come about, Liverpool would be expected to pay around £15m for the maestro who is understood to be happy in Ukraine.
SOURCE: FootyBunker
Douglas Costa is considered by many to be one of the hottest prospects in world football and the 21 year old Brazilian has been a big hit since his move to the Ukraine, where he helped guide Shakhtar Donetsk to back to back domestic titles in his first two seasons at the club, netting regularly in the process as well as being a pivotal part of Mircea Lucescu attacking plans.
The adaptable playmaker can play in an advanced central midfield role and on the flanks and is useful goal-scoring playmaker who could well add more of a link between the Liverpool midfield and attack. Though Kenny Dalglish brought in the likes of Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam in the summer he did also lose Raul Meireles and is likely to offload Joe Cole and Alberto Aquilani on a permanent basis at the end of the season, which will free up space for new additions in this area.
Douglas Costa fits the youthful transfer policy the Merseyside club has adopted though a fee of £15m may be a tad ambitious given that the Shakhtar Donetsk man is still to win a senior Brazilian cap.
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