Liverpool now really want to sign £104m midfielder who Bruno Fernandes says is excellent

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Liverpool have added a name in ‘capital letters’ to their midfield transfer shortlist.

The Reds are seemingly still on the lookout for a new midfielder. With the likes of Andre Trindade heavily linked in the months leading up to January, the rumour mill is whirring.

And according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Jurgen Klopp has now made it clear just who he would like that addition to be.

They claim that Liverpool have now targeted Benfica youngster Joao Neves. With the 19-year-old impressing in a breakthrough season this year, the Reds have reportedly written his name large in their list of potential reinforcements.

They’re not the only ones to do so, though. Manchester United are said to be leading the way for Neves so far. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Newcastle and Barcelona are all mightily interested, too.

However, signing the prodigy will reportedly prove to be a tricky business. Benfica are claimed to be determined to hang onto Neves, who is said to have a £104m release clause. In order to do that, the Portuguese giants are supposedly aiming to hand the teenager an improved contract, fresh with a new exit clause of £130m.

Liverpool targeting Neves

As far as potential midfield recruits go, we think we can pretty safely rule Neves out of the running.

That isn’t because he isn’t a viable option in terms of quality, or fit. The Portugal international is clearly a star in the making and has a big future ahead of him.

But if Chelsea’s – and Liverpool’s – pursuit of Enzo Fernandez last year taught us anything, it’s that if Benfica are determined to get maximum value for their star players, then they’ll get it.

Even with a release clause of £104m, there’s no chance of the Reds pushing ahead with Neves. If that’s increased by a further £26m, then it’s more likely that this writer will be playing in midfield for Liverpool next season.

Thankfully for Benfica, there are teams out there who will go all out and pay way over the odds for their players. One of those is Man United, who have had their fair share of expensive transfer mistakes in recent history.

And judging from United captain Bruno Fernandes’ words during the recent international break, the charm offensive from Old Trafford is already underway.

“He’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional,” Fernandes told Sport TV via Football Transfers. “You will have a bright future wherever you go. I would really like to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him.”

There’s no doubt that Liverpool will be aware of Neves’ quality and potential. But with these kinds of figures flying around, it isn’t going to happen.