David Texeira wants to get more experience before making a move to a club like Liverpool, the forward has revealed, with the Reds reportedly monitoring the Uruguayan's progress.
At just 20 years of age, Texeira is starring in the Dutch league for Groningen, and as a result the starlet has been linked with numerous clubs around Europe.
Liverpool in particular were believed to be keeping a close eye on the Uruguay under 20 international, but Texeira insists that he is happy playing for a smaller club as he develops his skills.
"Oh yes, all those messages," he told NUSport on the Liverpool rumours. "People talk a lot. I have also heard those rumors, but it doesn't affect me. It is too early to go to such a big club. I want to get more experience.
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"That's why I went to FC Groningen - I went to this club so that I can quietly grow as a player. Just like with Luis Suarez, I prefer to take it step by step. Hopefully that will lead to a big club in the future."
Texeira has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for the side so far this season, and Liverpool have already shown a favouritism towards Uruguayan players, with signings Luis Suarez and Sebastian Coates both coming to the club in the last year.
The Reds have even gone so far as to come to a formal agreement with Uruguayan side Nacional to create a swap system for young players, in a sign that Kenny Dalglish is favouring youth from the country.
And no Uruguayan player is more sought after than Texeira, who has drawn comparisons on occasion to Suarez for his ability up front. But the hitman says he doesn't want to be compared to the man he looks up to, and instead wants to be judged on his own merits.
"I am David Texeira, not Luis Suarez," he said. "I will also be assessed as myself. I don't listen when people compare me with Luis. Our style is different.
"Let me put it this way: I'm more like Forlan than Suarez. Diego moves around a lot - a little back and into the depths. I also do that.
"I watched a lot to Forlan when I was young, and tried to imitate his way of playing. He is still my idol. I want to follow his path. "
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