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And now, according to Argentine journalist Luis Fregossi, Liverpool might have found their replacement.

Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images

Some fans might disagree, but we’d argue that bringing in an elite level defensive midfielder is the absolute priority for Liverpool this summer.

A new centre-back to compete with Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk would also be nice, but in terms of the Reds starting XI, the No.6 position is where they lack.

As a result, Fregossi’s news that Liverpool have begun ‘formal talks’ to sign Porto’s Alan Varela should be very welcome.

Taking to X on Saturday morning, the Argentinian reporter claimed that Varela will ‘surely’ leave Porto this summer, and the Reds are in pole position.

“The LFC began formal talks with FC Porto by Alan Varela,” says Fregossi.

“The RED are the team that is closest to hiring the former Boca midfielder.

“The xeneize [Boca Juniors] will receive 20% of the sale that will surely take place in June.”

Liverpool are no strangers to doing business in Portugal.

The Reds have signed Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez from the nation recently and could well hire Ruben Amorim to complete the set.

As a result, it isn’t hard to see why they’d be looking at Varela, too.

The 22-year-old has been brilliant since arriving from Boca Juniors last summer.

With a reported release clause of around £60m, Varela won’t come cheap.

But the Argentine looks like he could be worth it.

Liverpool are said to have been watching Varela since before he came to Porto from Boca last year.
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