Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers is understood to be closing in on Swedish youngster Valmir BerishaReuters

Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Swedish prodigy Valmir Berisha.

The 17-year-old striker, dubbed as the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic, plays for native outfit Halmstads. Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been tracking the youngster for some time now, according to the Daily Mirror, and the Northern Irishman has now greenlighted a move for the player.

Berisha was the top scorer at last month's U-17 World Cup held in the United Arab Emirates, where he netted seven times. The Swede says he has turned down trial offers from Arsenal and Manchester United, and also claims of interest from several European giants, such as Juventus and his dream club Real Madrid.

However, the forward insists he prefers a move to England at this juncture in his career, as he feels the Premier League will aid his development.

"Inter Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal have indicated that they are interested. It is terrific. Real Madrid is my favourite since I was a child, they are the favourite club for the entire family but it is only an interest and I don't know if they want me to come on a trial. Juventus and Sevilla are more serious, they have given me offers, but the money is not the most important," Berisha pointed out.

"The most important is the football education, I believe England would be the best option. But I have rejected other clubs who have invited me for trials. For example, Arsenal and Manchester United. It is Real Madrid now, the club of my dreams. I am keen to go there, but I think I will turn it down, unfortunately. I do not know, maybe I will go there anyway," he added.

Berisha could be available for as little as £500,000, with Tottenham Hotspur also understood to be monitoring the youngster.