MLS new boys St Louis City have reportedly made an approach to sign Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino on a free transfer.
The Brazil international will draw the curtain down on a trophy-laden eight years at Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
Due to the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, Firmino has been pushed down the pecking order at Anfield, but he is not expected to be short of suitors.
The former Hoffenheim man is focused on his final few weeks with the Reds and is not expected to make a decision on his next club for some time, but a host of top European clubs are said to be interested.
Barcelona, Roma and Atletico Madrid are all thought to be admirers of Firmino, while Inter Milan are also keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the 31-year-old.
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Now, MLS insider Tom Bogert - via The Mirror - claims that St Louis City are also in the mix and have stolen a march on their rivals by making a formal approach.
St Louis City were only established four years ago and are embarking on their debut campaign in MLS this year, but they have quickly made waves in the North American landscape.
Bradley Carnell's side lead the Western Conference and overall standings with 18 points from their first eight games this season, putting them on course for CONCACAF Champions League qualification.
St Louis City's sporting director is Lutz Pfannenstiel, who formerly served as head of international relations at Firmino's old employers Hoffenheim between 2011 and 2018, and thus oversaw the attacker's move to Anfield in 2015.
As a result, the MLS leaders already have the upper hand in the race due to Firmino's relationship with Pfannenstiel, and St Louis City would be prepared to make him the face of their franchise.
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Other MLS sides are expected to be in the mix, though, while teams in Saudi Arabia have apparently shown an interest too, but it has been claimed that Firmino wants to remain in Europe once he leaves Liverpool.
Since departing Hoffenheim for a £36.1m fee in 2015, Firmino has lifted the Premier League and Champions League under Jurgen Klopp, as well as clinching glory in the EFL Cup, FA Cup, Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield.
The South American has a total of 109 goals and 79 assists to boast from 360 games in a Reds jersey, scoring 11 goals and setting up five more in 33 outings during the current campaign.
Injuries have taken their toll on Firmino over the past couple of years, though, and he has been restricted to just 12 Premier League starts this season, while only completing the full 90 in the top flight on three occasions.
Firmino is again expected to be on the bench when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
