Liverpool 'among clubs interested in £60m-rated midfielder'

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Porto midfielder Alan Varela.

The Reds are preparing for life under Arne Slot, with the Dutchman set to officially take charge of the Reds on June 1.

Liverpool are looking to bring in a new midfielder, despite overhauling their engine room during the 2023 summer transfer window.

Last year, the Reds recruited the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, the Merseyside club are still keen to recruit a top defensive midfielder ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

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Liverpool showing interest in Varela

With Liverpool on the lookout for reinforcements, Deportes 24 are reporting that Liverpool are set to join the race for Porto's Varela.

The Reds are facing competition from Premier League champions Manchester City and German giants Bayern Munich.

Liverpool, Man City and Bayern have all supposedly consulted Porto over a potential move for the 22-year-old midfielder.

Varela is under contract until the summer of 2028 after signing a five-year deal upon his arrival from Boca Juniors last summer.

However, Varela is believed to have a €70m (£60m) release clause in his contract, raising the possibility that he could depart this summer.

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Who is Porto's Argentine midfielder?

Varela rose through the young ranks at Boca Juniors, before going on to make 111 competitive appearances for the senior side.

After impressing for Boca Juniors, Varela completed a move to Portuguese giants Porto last summer for an initial €8m (£6.8m).

The Argentine quickly established himself in Sergio Conceicao's side, featuring in 44 matches during his first season as a Porto player.

Having made a couple of appearances for the Argentina Under-23 side, Varela is expected to represent his country at this summer's Olympics in Paris.