The moment that has Liverpool supporters buzzing

Sometimes a thumbs up says everything. Gilberto Mora, the 18-year-old Mexican attacking midfielder Liverpool are reportedly chasing, appeared to give a move to Anfield his personal seal of approval in a video that has been circulating on social media this week. Supporters approached the youngster holding up a Liverpool shirt and chanting his name, before asking him directly: "Liverpool?" What followed has set the fanbase alight.

Mora waved when he first heard the chants, then clocked what was being asked of him. He smiled, gave the fans a thumbs up, and disappeared down the tunnel with his teammates. It is hardly a signed contract, and the usual caveats apply, but it is the kind of moment that fuels a transfer story like nothing else.

Who exactly is Gilberto Mora?

If you have not been paying attention to Liga MX football, now is the time to start. Mora plays for Tijuana and has already racked up 62 first-team appearances and 15 goals despite only turning 18 earlier this month. That birthday is significant beyond the cake and candles: under FIFA regulations, reaching 18 makes him eligible to move to a foreign club for the first time, which is precisely why the speculation has gathered pace so quickly.

He has also made 13 appearances for the Mexican national side, and was on the World Cup stage this summer where he caught the eye of more than a few scouts. England manager Thomas Tuchel was asked about Mora directly after facing Mexico, and did not hold back. "We are not surprised, we have seen his quality," Tuchel said. "It's very impressive, he's a very young and talented player. He doesn't get nervous on the biggest stage. He's a top player." When the opposition manager is publicly singing your praises, you know the interest is real.

Where Liverpool stand in the race

Liverpool are reportedly amongst the frontrunners to secure Mora's signature, though they are far from alone. Several of European football's biggest clubs have been credited with interest in the teenager, and with an asking price reported to be in the region of £30m, this is not a deal that will be done quietly or cheaply.

The competition for his signature will be fierce, and Tijuana will not be in any rush to sell their prized asset below what they believe he is worth. Still, the fact that Liverpool are consistently mentioned as frontrunners, combined with a very public thumbs up from the player himself, suggests there may well be substance behind the speculation. How this one develops over the coming weeks will be worth watching closely.