Liverpool 'holds transfer talks' for $64m signing and he could unleash Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool doesn't yet have a new manager in place to replace the departing Jürgen Klopp but plans are being drawn up regardless. Whether it is Rúben Amorim who is chosen or someone else entirely, the transfer strategy shouldn't drastically change.

While the center of the Liverpool defense is the obvious place to strengthen, it is not the only transfer priority that should be assessed ahead of the summer window. In midfield, too, for a number of reasons, adding another player makes loads of sense.

According to the latest speculation coming out of Portugal, FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela, who has a $64m (£52m/€60m) release clause, is someone that Liverpool is eyeing up. According to the Argentine journalist Luis Fregossi, the Reds have even held 'formal talks' about potentially activating that clause.

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It is interesting that Liverpool might consider another midfield signing after bringing in four last summer. But while Thiago Alcântara leaving at the end of his contract can be canceled out by the return to fitness of Stefan Bajčetić, and Ryan Gravenberch and Bobby Clark will hope for more minutes in 2024/25, Liverpool is heading back into the Champions League and no chances can be taken with the size of the squad. Another midfield player being added into the mix can be no bad thing.

Varela is a holding player, too. He could allow Alexis Mac Allister to be unleashed further forward when required and also take the pressure off Wataru Endō. As well as Endō has done, he turned 31 in February and his energy levels have waned significantly in recent weeks. The Japan captain was never going to be a long-term fix.

Varela is a well-rounded player who excels defensively but has a wide range of passing. At 22, he might soon be ready for the next step and Transfermarkt has recorded no games missed through injury yet in Varela's career. Those are two big ticks in the boxes that Liverpool looks for with potential recruits.

Boca Juniors, his former club, will be due 20 per cent of the fee when Varela does leave Porto and it seems, given his talent, that a move won't be too far away. As well as Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have all also been linked.

Liverpool should be eyeing up another midfield signing this summer, though. And in Varela, it appears there is an ideal profile to target, albeit the price tag would be pretty steep.