Liverpool are apparently interested in signing Porto’s emerging sensation Alan Varela, who is backed by former Wolves captain Ruben Neves.
The 22-year-old joined the Portuguese giants from Boca Juniors in August for €8 million (£6.8 million), but he has swiftly established himself as a fixture in Sergio Conceicao’s squad.
Varela has played 28 games for Porto in all competitions this season, delivering a number of strong performances, including a 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 last week.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool is considering triggering Varela’s €70 million (£60 million) release clause this summer.
The Reds rebuilt their midfield ahead of the season, signing Alexis MacAllister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo. 
With Jurgen Klopp set to leave Anfield at the end of the season, Liverpool appear keen not to waste any time in the summer market.
The midfielder, who is under contract until June 2028, appeared 111 times for Boca Juniors before joining Porto last summer, but has yet to make his full international debut for Argentina.
Varela has already impressed former Wolves and Porto great Ruben Neves, who describes him as the ‘perfect’ midfielder.
‘He’s a terrific player. It was a wonderful signing for Porto, possibly the team’s most consistent reinforcement in terms of time and quality of play,” the Portuguese, who spent six seasons at Molineux, told O Jogo.
‘He is incredibly aggressive, is constantly well-positioned in defensive balances, and has recently moved a little farther forward, allowing his passing and finishing abilities to shine. 
‘He has already scored two goals. He is highly complete and has been a key member of the team.
Manchester City is also reportedly keeping an eye on Varela, according to South American outlet Bolavip.
However, Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his Daily Briefing podcast, stated that the Premier League champions’ situation had not progressed.
‘There have been suggestions that several big teams, including Manchester City, are scouting Varela, but my understanding is that this is just standard scouting activities, nothing more sophisticated,’ he stated.