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."