Liverpool close to signing midfielder Allan Rodrigues de Souza from Brazilian side Internacional

Liverpool are reportedly in talks to sign Brazilian midfielder Allan Rodrigues de Souza, who plays for Internacional in his homeland.

According to the Guardian, the Reds have identified the South American star, who impressed the Anfield club's coaches when playing for his club's U18 side at the Frenz International Cup held in Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur earlier this year.

Allan, as he is more commonly known, will reportedly cost the Reds around £500,000, but could be farmed out on loan, as the midfielder will not be eligible for a work permit in England owing to his age and lack of senior national team appearances.

The arrival of the 18-year-old midfielder is part of Liverpool's concerted efforts at strengthening their youth set-up ahead of next season. The Reds have already signed former Barcelona youngster Bobby Adekanye and are on the verge of completing the signing of United States U18 inter international Brooks Lennon from MLS side Real Salt Lake, according to Goal.

Brendan Rodgers has been one of the busiest managers in the English top-flight this summer, and apart from strengthening the academy, the former Swansea City manager has bolstered his first-team with six new signings.

The Northern Irishman is keen to put last season's disappointment behind them and challenge the top four sides for a place in the Champions League next season.

Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, who is likely to take over as captain after serving as Steven Gerrard's deputy last season, has underlined the club's objectives for the upcoming season.

The England international has made qualifying for the Champions League and winning a trophy the club's top two priorities going into the 2015/16 campaign.

"Getting back into the Champions League is a big objective for us, but also winning trophies - Liverpool Football Club should be winning trophies every year," Henderson told Liverpool's official site.

"So that's another aim for us. I think it is realistic, with the players we have got and the manager we have got, I feel that we can achieve those things."

"In the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup, we want to be challenging and winning. And obviously in the league, we want to be right up there challenging and hopefully get into the Champions League places as well," the Three Lions midfielder added.