Liverpool send scouts to watch ‘fantastic’ midfielder in the Europa League last night

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Liverpool had scouts in attendance during last night’s Europa League quarter-final clash between Sporting and Juventus.

The Reds have been linked with a number of players from either side, especially the Portuguese giants. And according to 90min, scouts travelled to the Estadio Jose Alvalade to watch both Marcus Edwards and Pedro Goncalves.

But there was reportedly Juventus interest, too. That’s because Liverpool talent spotters are said to have also been focusing on the performance of Juve’s French midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

They apparently weren’t the only ones in attendance, though. 90min claim that scouts from Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham were also there to monitor the same three players, and more.

It didn’t turn out to be a wasted trip for the Reds. Both Rabiot and Edwards scored, as the 1-1 draw sent the Italians through on aggregate.

Rabiot’s stock on the rise

Despite his unsuitability to what Liverpool need, Rabiot continues to be mentioned in the same breath as Liverpool.

To many, it’s apparent that he simply doesn’t possess the necessary tools to slot into the Reds squad. But with him likely to be available on a free transfer, perhaps he’s attractive to Liverpool nonetheless.

As their pulling out of the Jude Bellingham race has shown, the Reds are still mindful of finances ahead of this summer. Given the size of the rebuild needed, a freebie like Rabiot could be worth a punt.

Certainly, his performances for Juve this season have suggested as much. His 11 goals make him the Turin side’s top scorer all season. Having also done well for France during the World Cup, the 28-year-old’s stock is on the rise once again. He’s finally living up to the ‘fantastic’ tag Gigi Buffon put on him nearly four years ago.

If Liverpool scouts really were in Lisbon to watch him last night, then they’ll have been pleased with what they saw.

Rabiot reacted well to pounce on a loose ball from a corner to score the decisive goal for his team. Having sent Juve into the last four, he’ll be hoping to fire them to the trophy before his eventual exit this summer.