Bernard
Bernard is being linked with a move after the Copa Libertadores final later this month. [Reuters]

Liverpool have entered the race to sign highly-rated Brazilian youngster Bernard who has been heavily linked with several European clubs after an impressive season with Atletico Mineiro.

The 20 year old has had an outstanding campaign in helping the Brazilian club reach the Copa Libertadores final, scoring four goals in the competition, and has suggested that the two games against Paraguayan outfit Olimpia could be his final games for the club.

"If it's my last game [for Atletico Mineiro] or not, it will be one of the most important titles in my career," Bernard told ESPN Brazil. "Libertadores is very important, for the club and for the players. I'll do my best to make fans happy, as moments like that may not happen again."

Bernard was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham last month when he was a member of the Brazil squad that won the Confederations Cup in impressive fashion.

The attacking midfielder has a release clause of £20m and the Telegraph reports that as well as Liverpool and Tottenham, Arsenal are also said to be considering making an offer in the coming weeks.

Bernard will seemingly not be short of offers from Champions League clubs in Europe, but both Tottenham and Liverpool will hope that they can persuade him by offering him regular first team football.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers revealed last week that he wanted to sign a creative player who could instantly make an impression in the first team and may well hope that Bernard could have a similar impact to his international colleague Philippe Countinho.

The Brazilian starred for the Reds after completing his move from Inter Milan and Rodgers may well feel that despite Bernard's rather hefty release clause, he could similarly improve the team next season.

Liverpool have already missed out on one attacking midfielder when Henrikh Mkhitaryan chose to join Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund, but they will hope they have more success in their pursuit of Bernard.

With the second leg of the Copa Libertadores final taking place on 24 July it is unlikely that a deal will be completed before the conclusion of the competition but the young attacker will seemingly have plenty of offers to consider.