Argentina star Enzo Fernandez's 'preference' is to join Liverpool, according to reports in Portugal.

The Lowdown: Fernandez profiled

The 21 year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of world football in the past 18 months, shining at boyhood club River Plate and earning himself a move to Benfica last summer.

The combative midfielder, who can play as a number six, eight or ten, has thrived since arriving in Portugal, registering four goal contributions in the Primeira Liga and now shining on the international stage too, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award in Qatar on Sunday.

Now, with rumours swirling about his domestic future, it appears the Reds have won the race for the man dubbed 'unbelievable' by transfer insider Dean Jones.

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The Latest: Enzo chooses Red

According to one of Portugal's largest newspapers, O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Liverpool have already reached an agreement with the player's agent, and are now the 'priority'.

Many of Europe's top clubs have actually held off on moving for Fernandez because they know he has chosen Liverpool, though the Reds will have to trigger his €120m release clause to get him in January.

The Verdict: Lock it up for the summer

Other reports have suggested that it will be almost impossible to get a transfer over the line in the winter window, with Benfica still in the Champions League and on course for a league title.

And given an immediate move would require the Reds to shell out the £105m release clause, it seems the best possible solution for all parties is an agreement for a summer switch.

As it stands, the Reds will lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, James Milner and Arthur Melo from their midfield ranks in the summer, meaning serious reinforcements are required, and Fernandez could be just the man to lead a new era in Jurgen Klopp's team.

Ranking in the 99th percentile (midfielders in Europe's top leagues, via FBRef) for expected goals + expected assists as well as for progressive passes, the end product he would inject into the heart of Klopp's team is nearly off the charts, while he also sits in the 76th percentile for tackles.

Make no mistake about it, snapping up Argentina's next superstar could be a decade-defining deal at Anfield.