Liverpool have “submitted” to try to sign FC Porto defensive midfielder Alan Varela, but a deal will cost around £60m this summer. according to Footmercato.
The 22-year-old South American has stood out in his time in Portugal since arriving from Boca Juniors of the Argentine Professional Football League last summer.
The midfielder has been an infallible player in the center of the field for Sérgio Conceição's team, having played 30 games in all competitions this season.
In the Primeira Liga this season, Varela has been a key reason why Porto have conceded just 17 goals so far, the best defensive record in the League with his performances in the center of the park stopping opponent attacks.
Dubbed the new Javier Mascherano, Varela's impeccable performances are not just limited to the domestic league as he has consistently demonstrated his abilities in both national and continental competitions.
Notably, he won the man of the match award on his debut. Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk and at the same time proved to be a threat in the match against Arsenalplaying a key role in frustrating the Gunners attack throughout the game.
The Reds need to spend a lot
More recently, he had another standout performance in the 5-0 demolition of Portuguese League champions Benfica, where he recovered five balls, recorded three successful tackles, as well as completing a very high 94% of successful passes while also creating three opportunities. in the game.
These performances have put him on Liverpool's radar, as it has been reported that the Reds have “moved forward” to try to buy the Argentine, after having followed him since he arrived at the Estádio do Dragão.
Together with Liverpool, Footmercato reports that German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund as well as French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain have indicated interest in the former Argentina Under-20 international.
Varela has a long contract with the Dragões that runs until June 2028 and Porto are demanding the full value of their £60m release clause for the defensive midfielder, according to the report.
Liverpool would not hesitate to bring the Argentine to Anfield as his defensive ability and ball control make him the archetypal player who will anchor Liverpool's defensive midfield for years to come.
