Liverpool have been tracking £60m player since last year, now they’re ready to make move

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Last summer was a bit of a wild one in terms of Liverpool’s midfield revamp.

In the end, the Red brought in four new players, all of whom have done well so far this season. But on top of the quartet eventually signed, there were dozens more being linked.

One of those was then Boca Juniors youngster Alan Varela. With Liverpool seemingly targeting the South American market, Varela was one of those who’s name cropped up. As it turned out, the Argentine did leave Boca, but he joined Porto instead.

According to Bola VIP though, that hasn’t deterred Liverpool. Having reportedly ‘sounded out’ Varela over a move to Anfield last year, the Reds are said to be back on his trail again.

Unfortunately – and very predictably – the 22-year-old’s price has now shot up. While it’s reported that Porto signed him for just £7.7m at the start of the season, they’re now claimed to be looking for Varela’s full £60m release clause to let him go.

While it’s unclear if that fee will be a deterrent, Liverpool are said to be ready to move on Varela in the summer. Manchester City reportedly join them in their interest, as the two English giants battle for the midfielder.

Liverpool back in for Varela

Of course, this is relatively normal practice for a club like Liverpool. Although we’re often now linked with young talents out of South America – talents like Federico Redondo – we’re yet to see the Reds go all in for one.

Instead, Liverpool are more liable to let the players move on elsewhere and see how they do. Should they prove themselves in a league and country like Portugal, then maybe they’ll then come back in.

As a result, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to hear that the interest in Varela is genuine.

Having already played more than 100 times for Boca, the midfielder was already experienced by 22. And since joining Porto he has been a regular in the team too, starting 13 of their 18 Liga matches.

That jump up will have suggested to Liverpool that Varela is a player who can take further steps in his career.

We’ve seen them dip into the Portuguese market in the past. If a young player like this is doing well at a club like Porto, he’ll surely be on the Reds’ radar.

The one sticking point is that Liverpool don’t necessarily need any more midfielders right now.

If they think Varela could be a long-term option at No.6, then that’s the only real argument for pursuing this. He does look to be that kind of player, so maybe there is something in this. Certainly something to keep in mind moving forward.