Otavio’s agent is travelling to Liverpool to hold face-to-face talks over his client joining The Reds.
That’s according to Portuguese outlet Jornal de Noticias. They claim that the negotiations between the parties ‘could be successful.’
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly leading Liverpool’s interest in the Porto man, having also tried to sign him last summer.
But the 27-year-old is unlikely to come cheap. Jornal de Noticias report that Otavio saw his release clause increase from £34.3m to more like £51.5m after June 15th.
It’s also claimed that Leeds United hold an interest in the Portugal international. However, Otavio reportedly has no interest in joining the Yorkshire club. A recent £25.7m bid from Leeds was reportedly rejected.
Time not on Otavio’s side for Liverpool move
Liverpool’s interest in Otavio was picked up on last year, so this story hasn’t come out of nowhere.
But still, it feels unlikely that Liverpool would spend such a sum on a player who will turn twenty-eight next season.
Perhaps it’s a shame that The Reds seemingly have a cut-off point for the age of their new signings.
The idea that a player is ‘too old’ to be brought in once he turns twenty-six or twenty-seven has an obvious logic to it. At the same time though, it also feels that in enforcing such a criteria, Liverpool will miss out on many suitable players.
Otavio would certainly be one such player.
He was one of the best performers in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season. Liverpool have already plucked Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz from Portugal, and he could complete the hat-trick.
Reds reportedly readying offer
Otavio can play on either wing or in midfield, but was most comfortable on Porto’s right-hand side last year. As Liverpool look for someone to ease the burden on their midfield, as well as on Mohamed Salah, he could be perfect.
It isn’t impossible that Liverpool have identified him to do both of those roles for the squad. But The Reds simply don’t spend £40m+ on squad players.
Had Otavio been two or three years younger, it may have been a possibility. Unfortunately though, it now seems much less likely to happen.
Nevertheless, it was claimed yesterday that Liverpool are readying a bid of £34m. Let’s wait and see if it’s anything to get excited about.
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