Liverpool enter race to sign Roberto Firmino amid interest from Manchester clubs

Liverpool have entered the race to sign Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim amid interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, reports Globoesporte.

The Reds are in the market to spruce up their squad for a proper top four challenge next season and are currently weighing up a move for Firmino, who has had 21 assists over the past two seasons in the Bundesliga, only superseded by Kevin de Bruyne, who has 26.

Firmino's agent has confirmed that he is on his way to England in the summer, with considerable interest from the two Manchester based clubs. The midfielder is unlikely to be available for anything less than €30m ($33.8m, £21.6m) and the price is likely to increase with the clubs set to enter a bidding war for the Brazilian.

Firmino has established himself as an important part of the Brazil first team under Dunga and is unlikely to ply his trade in the Bundesliga for much longer, especially with the interest afforded to him by clubs in the Premier League.

However, the report states that any deal for the player will be completed after Brazil's participation in the Copa America 2015 has run its course. The management does not want the midfielder to lose concentration, as Brazil look to exorcise the ghosts of their hammering against Germany in the semi-finals of the Fifa World Cup in 2014.

Liverpool have Philippe Coutinho with the national team to influence Firmino for a move to Merseyside in the summer. The former Inter Milan man has made his way into Dunga's plans after an exceptional 2014/15 season where he was also inducted into the PFA Team of the Year.

Meanwhile, City are looking to heavily invest in the squad this season in a bid to take back their title from Chelsea, which they last won in 2013/14. The Citizens are believed to be considering a world record bid for Paul Pogba and are also looking up other deals for possible reinforcements in the summer.