Liverpool have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Sao Paulo whizkid Gustavo Maia.

Barcelona agreed to part with €1million for the option to sign him before the end of this month after Maia's performances at Copa Sao Paulo.

The Catalan giants are now required to pay another €3.5m, and agent Danilo Silva is confident the deal will happen.

"We are sure Barcelona will complete the purchase," agent Danilo Silva told Radio Transamerica.

"There was already a signal from the club and [on Monday] Maia started private Spanish lessons to get more prepared.

"Other clubs came to us in the last few months but he never had any doubt, he always wanted Barcelona."