Liverpool step up Gilberto Mora transfer as January move takes shape

Liverpool remain firmly in the race to sign highly-rated Gilberto Mora, with fresh reports from Mexico claiming the Reds have made an approach over a potential move in the January transfer window.

The 17-year-old Club Tijuana midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Mexican football and has attracted growing interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs following his rapid rise.

While Liverpool have been linked with Mora for several weeks, the latest reports suggest discussions are now focused on a winter transfer.

According to reports in Mexico, Liverpool are one of several clubs that have made enquiries about signing Mora.

The Premier League side are joined by Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, all of whom are monitoring the teenager ahead of the January window.

Although no formal offer has yet been submitted, the latest claims suggest Liverpool's interest has progressed beyond initial scouting, with a possible winter move now under discussion.

Despite the growing transfer speculation, there is a strong focus in Mexico on protecting Mora's long-term development.

Mexico youth chief Andrés Lillini has urged caution following the midfielder's involvement at the World Cup, stressing that the teenager should not be overworked.

Lillini said: "After playing a World Cup, with everything he went through physically and emotionally, we have to look after the person and not wear him down just because we want to win something."

He also confirmed that decisions regarding Mora's international workload will now be handled by Mexico's senior national team staff.

The report also reveals Mora only recently recovered from a serious bout of pubalgia, an injury that sidelined him for a significant part of Tijuana's campaign and almost ruled him out of the World Cup.

That recent fitness setback is likely to be another factor Liverpool and the other interested clubs consider before making a formal move.

Despite those concerns, Mora continues to be viewed as one of the most exciting young midfielders in North America, ensuring competition for his signature is likely to intensify over the coming months.

Liverpool are expected to continue monitoring Mora throughout the first half of the season before deciding whether to submit a formal offer in January. With several European giants also interested, Club Tijuana are likely to face increasing competition to keep hold of one of Mexico's brightest young talents.