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It never sleeps, the football world. It has its ‘close-season’, but in reality there is nothing of the sort.

No sooner has the European season finished – and in some style too, with Barcelona’s Champions League final win – than the South Americans get going.

The Copa America gets underway on Thursday, with hosts Chile taking on Ecuador in Santiago, and after that, you’re sorted for your football fix until the final on July 4.

Uruguay, minus the suspended Luis Suarez, will be seeking to defend the crown they won in Argentina four years ago, while the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez and James Rodriguez will all showcase their skills.

Who, though, may be of interest to Liverpool, as they look for potential additions to their squad this summer? We take a look at five they might have in their sights....

Ezequiel Garay (Argentina)

They’ve spent big on centre backs during the past two summers, but Liverpool are yet to sort their defensive issues out. Mamadou Sakho’s promise is often undermined by injury problems, while the less said about Dejan Lovren’s first season at Anfield the better.

Garay will be the lynchpin of Tata Martino’s defence. Tall, powerful and dominant in the air, the 28-year-old moved to Zenit St Petersburg from Benfica last year, but is widely considered too good for Russian football.

Giorgian De Arrascaeta (Uruguay)

One of the younger members of Oscar Tabarez’s squad, the 21-year-old has been handed the No.10 shirt for the holders. And despite only making his senior international debut last year, the Cruzeiro midfielder is set for an important role.

There are shades of Philippe Coutinho about De Arrascaeta’s play. He’s lithe, silky and draws opponents in before accelerating away from them. After breaking onto the scene with Defensor Sporting, he joined Cruzeiro earlier this year, despite interest from Europe – notably Inter.

Douglas Costa (Brazil)

Regular watchers of the Champions League will be aware of the 24-year-old. Costa has emerged as a key figure at Shakhtar Donetsk, and has been attracting admiring glances from Western Europe as a result.

Chelsea have been linked with the attacking midfielder, whose left foot, pace and balance make him a useful commodity. Only has four senior caps for Brazil, but for a country looking to rebuild after its World Cup humiliation, he should get plenty of chances to add to that.

Santiago Arias (Colombia)

With Liverpool in the market for a right back, they could do worse than take a glance at the PSV Eindhoven man. Arias will be flying up the flank for Colombia as they look to build on last year’s impressive World Cup performance.

Arias was a winner at the Toulon U20 Tournament in 2011, and made 29 appearances for PSV as they romped to the Eredivisie title this season. At 23, he has bags of promise, and plenty of suitors.

Salomon Rondon (Venezuela)

Another Zenit St Petersburg player, Rondon has remained a consistent marksman over the past few seasons, whether at Malaga, Rubin Kazan or at his current club.

He scored 20 goals last season, and at 25 looks ready to kick on to the next level. Venezuela will be one of the outsiders for the tournament, but Rondon could help them surprise a few.