Liverpool are now expected to make a move for a £101m player following a recommendation from Diogo Jota.
It sounds as if Fenway Sports Group (FSG) may be willing to spend heavily and back Arne Slot as the Dutchman attempts to pick up from where Jurgen Klopp left off at Anfield, amid rumours that a bid has also been submitted for Real Madrid No.11 Rodrygo.
Now – however – sources in Portugal believe Liverpool are planning a move to sign a precocious central midfielder…
Liverpool want Joao Neves
A story from Correio da Manha now states that Liverpool want to sign Benfica No.87 Joao Neves – and have even made the Portugal international a priority target.
The Portuguese news outlet believe Liverpool had already done plenty of homework on the 19-year-old and have even scouted him on several occasions.
Correio da Manha add that the Reds have also spoken to Jota – who plays with Neves for Portugal – and are now set to make contact with Benfica in the coming days.
Liverpool have already carried out one successful negotiation with the Portuguese giants in recent times, signing Darwin Nunez in an £85m deal from Benfica back in June 2022.
Neves is not expected to be cheap – however – with Benfica referring the many interested parties to the teenager’s €120m (£101m) release clause.
The Tavira-born wonderkid made 55 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring three goals while also providing two assists.
Michael Edwards has a cheaper alternative
Liverpool have been no strangers to shopping in Portugal across recent years, plucking the aforementioned Nunez as well as Luis Diaz from the Primeira Liga.
If a move to sign Neves fails to materialise, there is seemingly another midfielder playing in Portugal’s leading division who Michael Edwards – CEO of Football at Anfield – may turn to.
A recent story from Rudy Galetti claims that Liverpool are looking at Porto No.22 Alan Varela, who also operates in central midfield.
The Argentina international can be signed for £60m due to a release clause written into his contract.
READ MORE: What Liverpool are about to tell Bayern Munich as German giants target shock move for Joe Gomez
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Liverpool, as one of the Primeira Liga’s best midfielders could soon be moving to Anfield this summer.