Liverpool have distanced themselves from reports claiming the club have agreed a deal in principle to sign Alexandre Pato.

Italian publications have suggested the Premier League side held negotiations with Corinthians for the striker, but the Reds have dismissed links to the 26-year-old.

Pato is on loan at Sao Paulo, but it understood he has a desire to return to Europe.

The Brazilian forward, who has 10 goals for his national team, was considered one of football’s premier talents during his early years at AC Milan.

However, after a disappointing final two injury-riddled seasons with the Italians, he returned to his homeland to resurrect his career.

He scored 17 goals for parent club Corinthians, who loaned him to Sao Paulo in February 2014. He has netted times 37 times during his temporary spell.