Liverpool transfers: Reds and Bayern to battle over €70m Porto star Alan Varela

Liverpool and Bayern Munich have now both enquired about signing the Porto midfielder Alan Varela, according to a new report in Argentina. 

Porto finished third in the Portuguese Primeira Liga, meaning there will be no Champions League football for the club next season. 

That means there could be an opportunity for interested parties to pick up some of Porto’s most bankable assets as the club seeks to make up a budgetary shortfall. 

Varela has a reported €70 million release clause in his contract, meaning Liverpool and Bayern could have the chance to skip negotiations, but the report stating that both clubs have made enquiries suggests they are likely to try to pay less. 

Varela stars in first Euro campaign

The 22-year-old Argentine joined Porto last summer from Boca Juniors for €8m plus €3m in bonuses, signing a contract until 2028. 

He has been a standout for his side in midfield this season, impressing in the league as well as in their Champions League campaign.

Liverpool were among the clubs reported to have watched Varela during the last-16 ties against Arsenal, with Manchester City and Newcastle also credited with interest. 

Varela was part of the Porto team who beat Ruben Amorim’s Sporting CP to win the Taca de Portugal (Portuguese cup) at the weekend. 

Previously it was reported that the Reds had made Porto aware of their intentions to pay Varela’s release clause. 

Liverpool and Bayern want N0.6 this summer

Competition is likely to be fierce with both Liverpool and Bayern seeking a specialist midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window. 

Bayern could well sell Joshua Kimmich, who was reported to have turned down Barcelona and is also a mooted Liverpool target. 

Argentine journalist Leo Paradizo brings the report of Liverpool and Bayern’s latest attempts to sign the midfielder, as the Reds seek to move on from the Jurgen Klopp era. 

Although the midfield was overhauled last summer, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch coming into the club, Liverpool still look short of a top quality, reliable defensive enforcer. 

Earlier this week they were linked with Ederson, a standout from Atalanta’s successful Europa League campaign and it remains to be seen which way Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will turn in their midfield search.