Liverpool 'join Barcelona and Real Madrid in race to sign 16-year-old wonderkid'

A 16-year-old wonderkid from Georgia has attracted the interest of Liverpool after Barcelona and Real Madrid sent scouts to track his progress, according to reports in Spain.

Saba Kharebashvili, who plays for Dinamo Tbilisi in Georgia, has already chalked up 28 senior appearances for the club despite only turning 16 last September.

The left-back has impressed after coming through the Tbilisi academy, demonstrating sound defensive ability and contributing two assists from his 21 league appearances so far this campaign.

Kharebashvili has already started breaking records on the European stage after featuring for Tbilisi against Mornar Bar in their Europa Conference League qualifier last year.

The Georgian, then aged 15, became the youngest player in UEFA competition history, surpassing the previous record set by Borussia Dortmund's Youssoufa Moukoko.

As a result, the left-back has fast become one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football, with a handful of European giants earmarking him as a potential star for the future.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Liverpool are keeping tabs on the starlet with a view of signing him as a long-term option at left-back.

Reds stalwart Andrew Robertson turns 31 later this month while fellow left-back Konstantinos Tsimikas, 28, features primarily as a squad player under Arne Slot.

Due to a rule preventing homegrown Georgian talents to join foreign clubs until they have reached the age of 18, Kharebashvili is unable to leave Tbilisi until September 2026 at the earliest.

Clubs, however, are able to agree transfers in advance of that date —  and thus Liverpool are far from the only European giant showing interest.

The Spanish newspaper claims Real Madrid and Barcelona have both already sent scouts to monitor the defender's progress in Georgia, first tracking him in November.

The LaLiga giants have a history of splashing out on teenager talents in the past, with Barcelona investing on the likes of Mikayil Faye, Pabo Torre and Ibrahim Diarra most recently.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in the market for a left-back after falling short in their pursuit of Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.