Exclusive: Liverpool set to rival Barcelona for 'Malian Messi' as top African talent begins to shine

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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.Liverpool are tracking Mali U17 international Aboubacar Maiga ahead of a possible move, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.Maiga has emerged as one of the biggest talents in Africa over recent months, and the Reds are understood to have been alerted to his potential.Sources have confirmed to RTK that the 17-year-old’s club, Malian side Africa Foot, have a first refusal agreement in place with Barcelona over Maiga.However, it is understood that a deal has been struck on the club side only, with Maiga himself still free to choose his next step.And while Barca remain in a strong position, Liverpool are understood to be towards the front of the queue should Maiga choose an alternate path.The Reds are not alone in jostling for place, however, with BlueCo, the City Group and Red Bull clubs all holding an interest in the teenager.Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesLiverpool in the mix to sign Aboubacar MaigaAn attacking midfielder in the mould of Phil Foden, Maiga has been drawing even loftier comparisons from those who have watched him closely.As word of his talent emerges, some scouts have taken to calling the youngster the ‘Malian Messi’.READ MORE: Liverpool eyeing £18m Marc Guehi alternative who Ruben Amorim lovedWhile that is an almost impossible tag for Maiga to live up to, he is understood to have stood out to those following African youth football.The teenager is currently turning out for Mali at the African U17 Championships, where Liverpool will be checking on his progress.Maiga cannot officially move to Europe until after his 18th birthday in April, with the clamour for his signature expected to intensify in the meantime.Despite their strong position, it is understood that Barcelona are not guaranteed to sign the youngster, with Liverpool very much seen to be in the mix.Liverpool continuing to scout U20 World CupLiverpool are understood to be putting in work to ensure they are not left behind on securing top talents from Africa, Asia and South America as they become available.The Reds are keen to keep up with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, who have long been signing young players to play within their multi-club model.As they aim to be better in this regard, Liverpool are continuing to scout youth football from around the world.As RTK exclusively revealed earlier this week, the Reds have been impressed by Japan’s Rion Ichihara at the ongoing U20 World Cup, and they will keep a presence in Chile until the end of the tournament.