Real Madrid teenager Rodrygo's former manager has claimed he rejected a move to Liverpool .
Rodrygo, 18, was in the headlines this week as he scored a hat-trick in the Champions League victory over Galatasaray this week.
The Brazilian has managed five goals in just six matches since joining Real in a £40m deal.
But former Manchester City star Elano, who managed Rodrygo at Santos, has claimed he turned down the chance to move to Anfield before heading for Madrid.
"There was strong interest from Liverpool for the kid when he was in the youth teams and they wanted him, but the offer was low," he told ESPN.
"Then the offer arrived from Real Madrid . I had a chat with the club and I told them the kid was worth gambling on and that I would like to work with him.
"He already had this ability at a young age.
"There are very few players that are like that when they're so young. He's already mature and has a personality to his game."
Rodrygo will hope to retain his place when Real take on Eibar this weekend.
On the young striker's midweek hat-trick, boss Zinedine Zidane said: "We are happy for him because in the end when he gets the chance to play he plays well, and he did so again tonight.
"He plays well in every sense. We know his qualities in attack well, but he also works hard in defence and helps out with a lot.
"But we need to keep calm and not put any pressure on him."
