Liverpool transfer news: Reds to consider midfielder with £60m release clause

Liverpool are considering triggering the £60m release clause of Porto star Alan Varela this summer, according to a report from Portugal. 

Alan Varela is one of the many names that has been linked with Liverpool in recent months, with the midfielder having teamed up with Porto last summer following a £6.8m switch from Boca Juniors.

The 22-year-old has dazzled during his debut campaign at the Estadio do Dragao and recently featured prominently in his side's 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Champions League last 16.

The defensive midfielder has been a regular for Porto and has racked up 30 appearances in all competitions, as well as two goals and two assists in the Primeira Liga.

As a result of his impressive performances, Liverpool are reportedly interested in activating his £60m release clause this summer, at least according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Daily Mail).

Manchester City are also linked with the Argentine but are not close to agreeing anything formal with the player.

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Varela during Porto's victory over the Gunners in the Champions League and they will likely have been impressed by the youngster's sharp defensive display.

However, with no sporting director having been appointed and Jurgen Klopp's successor yet to be named, it remains to be seen whether Varela is of genuine interest to Liverpool, especially given the depth they currently possess in midfield.

The Reds already recruited four new midfielders last summer in Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo, while the club still have the likes of Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott at their disposal.

While Thiago will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, the Reds also have to consider that they have a number of exciting young prospects in the engine room, including Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, James McConnell and Tyler Morton to return from loan.

Therefore, Liverpool are unlikely to spend big money in midfield this summer, with recent reports indicating that the club are targeting centre-backs and wingers at the end of the current campaign.