Liverpool could face a FIFA investigation over their signing of Roberto Firmino.
The Brazil international joined the Reds from Hoffenheim in summer 2015 and has since become a prominent influence under Jurgen Klopp this season.
But the £29 million deal may come under scrutiny from world football’s governing body following allegations about the structuring of the transfer.
A new book, ‘Football Leaks: The Dirty Business of Football’, claims that only £5.8 million of Liverpool’s fee was paid directly to the Bundesliga club.
The remainder of the outstanding figure is said to have been paid to Transfair, a third-party company owned by Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp.
Should a probe be launched into Liverpool’s capture of Firmino, it would be the selling club that is placed under the microscope rather than Anfield officials.
Publication of the book earlier this week has already led to FIFA investigating Paul Pogba’s £89 million move to Manchester United last summer.
Pogba’s representative Mino Raiola received an alleged £23 million from the deal with a further £16m set to be paid to the controversial super agent.