Rafa monitoring fourth Brazilian
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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has been sounding out the possibility of adding a fourth Brazilian to his first team squad in the shape of Sao Paulo defender Aislan.
The 20-year-old centre back emerged as arguably the most highly-rated of Sao Paolo’s recent crop of “Juniores”, and he already carries a release clause of $20,000,000 (£10.5 million).
Benitez has previously delved into the Brazilian market for Diego Cavalieri and Lucas Leiva, while Fabio Aurelio arrived from La Liga.
Aislan’s agent Paolino Oscar revealed contact was made by Liverpool, but the move was scuppered by the close of the summer transfer window.
"They had revealed interest in the past one or two months, when the window was open,” Oscar told UOL Esporte.
“Now, I find that it was more difficult because everything is closed in Europe."
Liverpool’s initial attempts were held up by the complicated nature of the transfer, which requires 30 percent of the fee to be paid to Aislan’s former club.
The towering defender’s agent admits Aislan would like to play in Europe, but he will not hand in a transfer request if Sao Paulo choose not to sell.
"It is in Sao Paulo’s hands and it is they who decide. If Aislan is told to leave, very well. If not, that is good also.
“I have respect for Sao Paulo and I do not do blackmail, therefore it is the club who must make the primary move."