Liverpool have reportedly approached Porto over the possible signing of Alan Varela during the summer transfer window.
The Argentine moved from South American giants Boca Juniors in the summer for a fee which would reach up to £9.4m, playing a regular part for one of Portugal's biggest clubs in 2023-24 so far.
Varela has featured 14 times in the Primeira Liga for Porto this campaign, scoring once and providing two assists from a deep-lying midfield role.
The midfielder spent over three years playing for Boca's first team between 2020 and 2023, making 111 appearances and popping up with two goals.
According to Bolavip, Liverpool have made contact with Porto for the services of Varela ahead of the summer transfer window, as the Reds look to bolster their engine room.
© Reuters
The report claims that the Reds are targeting midfield reinforcements following the conclusion of the campaign, with the winter trading point proving difficult for many Premier League clubs.
Liverpool will not be able to seal Varela's signature for cheap, though, with the 22-year-old having a release clause of £59.7m at Estadio Do Dragao.
It is understood that Boca Juniors placed a sell-on clause in their arrangement with Porto for the player back in the summer, meaning that the Argentine side will pocket more than £10m of any future sale.
Varela's current terms with Sergio Conceicao's men expire in the summer of 2028, meaning that Porto are at no risk of losing one of their key assets for a small fee in the near future.
It is also believed that fellow Premier League outfit Manchester City are keen on Varela, with Pep Guardiola's side scouring the South American pool for talent once again.
© Reuters
The treble-winning Citizens announced the signing of Varela's compatriot Claudio Echeverri from River Plate on Thursday, with the 18-year-old to be loaned back to Estadio Mas Monumental for the remainder of 2024.
Anfield welcomed a number of midfield arrivals during the summer, with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai all making their way to Merseyside.
German head coach Jurgen Klopp could achieve a remarkable quartet of major honours during his final season in charge, with his men still competing for Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup glory.
The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League standings after losing just one of their first 21 contests, possessing a five-point advantage over second-placed Man City, who have played a game fewer.
Carter White
