Liverpool have reportedly approached Benfica and Argentina central midfielder Enzo Fernandez with a contract offer.
The Lowdown: Contact made
It was reported earlier this week that the Anfield outfit have made initial contact with Fernandez over a potential move, with the January transfer window approaching.
Benfica do not expect him to leave in January, although they do expect to sell him in the near future, with the summer a possible window for interested clubs.
The Latest: Contract offer
As per VaskySports, who broke the news of Thiago moving to Liverpool, the Reds' interest in Fernandez is 'true', and they have 'even approached' the player with a 'contract offer':
"Liverpool's interest in Enzo Fernandez is true and he even approached the player with a contract offer. There is still no negotiation with Benfica. His exit clause is 120 million euros. Real Madrid also has him on the radar."
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-35/" title="Latest Liverpool transfer news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Bellingham alternative?
Jurgen Klopp's side have been strongly linked with a move for 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham, but should a deal fall through, then Fernandez would be a worthy alternative.
The midfielder is currently starring for Argentina in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ranking as the semi-finalist's fourth-best performer, scoring one goals and making one assist while also ranking highly among his team-mates in terms of average aerial duels won, tackles, interceptions, clearances, blocks, shots, key passes, dribbles, crosses and long balls per game (WhoScored).
Fernandez has also been a top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.
Nonetheless, he is only 21 years of age, and so like Bellingham, has an extremely high ceiling that Liverpool can hugely benefit from if they can secure his signature.