Liverpool scouts impressed by £105m midfielder after watching him play this weekend 

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Liverpool scouts were impressed with the performance of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this weekend.

Neves looks set to be the next one off the endless production line at Benfica, with the 19-year-old already a first-team regular.

Having stepped into breach left by Enzo Fernandez last winter, 90min claim that a clutch of top Premier League sides are watching Neves. Among them is said to be Liverpool, who’s scouts were reportedly present to see the youngster score during Benfica’s 2-1 win over rivals Sporting on Sunday.

Although the Reds talent-spotters are claimed to have been there to watch other players, they’re said to have watched Neves ‘closely,’ too.

More pressingly, the objects of Liverpool’s attention were reportedly Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva of Benfica. Inacio in particular looks like an active target. But it was Neves who stole the show. With Manchester City and Manchester United seemingly there to watch the Portugal international too, it looks set to be a crowded race to sign him.

Liverpool impressed by Neves

You can see why Liverpool would be impressed by Neves. Benfica always know how to spot and nurture talent and any youngster breaking through there is worth keeping an eye on.

Furthermore, the teenager does look to be the kind of midfielder who could plug a gap for the Reds at the moment.

Nevertheless, buying players from Benfica is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you’re getting a player who has been coached excellently and is probably ready for immediate first-team action.

On the other, you’re likely to have to pay through the teeth to get him.

Just as Chelsea had to pay the full nine-figure release clause to get Enzo out of London, it seems someone will have to do the same for Neves.

According to TeamTALK, the Portuguese has an exit clause of something very close to £105m. As the Blues found out at the start of the year, Benfica aren’t joking when they say either pay up or move on.

Liverpool reportedly tried to sign Fernandez for £60m before Chelsea rolled up. Predictably, the Eagles told them where to go.

Despite flashes of quality, Enzo is still trying to justify Chelsea paying anything like that kind of money for him. As a result, teams may now be more cautious of stumping up for Neves.

As a club who are overly cautious when spending big sums anyway, that will certainly extend to Liverpool. With the likes of big-spenders City, United and also Arsenal said to be following Neves, we can’t see the Reds doing anything here.