Liverpool have ‘already made contact’ to sign Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to Record.
As per the report, the Portuguese club are expecting the player to leave in the coming months.
It is believed that both the Reds and Real Madrid have ‘already made contact’ with the 21-year-old about a potential move.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham is a major target of both clubs, but his £130m price-tag could be prohibitive in negotiations.
Therefore, the Argentine has been identified as the ‘most appealing’ alternative.
Benfica will not make it easy for Fernandez to leave, but they understand just how difficult it will be to retain a player with major interest from across Europe.
However, the youngster currently has a £103m release clause in place, and his club are insistent that if he leaves, this is the price that will be met.
Liverpool make contact for Fernandez
The 21-year-old has been absolutely exceptional at the World Cup with Argentina, which has – more than likely – ramped up teams’ interest in him even more.
After two impressive performances off the bench against Saudi Arabia and Mexico, the latter of which he scored a sensational goal, Fernandez has started in the following three of his country’s fixtures.
The youngster even completed the full 120 minutes as Argentina beat the Netherlands on penalties, sending them through to the semi-finals of the tournament.
At the World Cup, Lionel Messi has been full of praise for Fernandez. The footballing legend even dubbed him a ‘spectacular’ player, claiming that he is very important to the national team’s side.
The midfielder has been equally as impressive in the Champions League this season, alerting clubs across the continent to his presence.
Therefore, if Liverpool can’t agree a deal for Bellingham, Fernandez is a fantastic alternative.
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