Liverpool transfers: Brazil star Bento linked with €15m switch as Inter drop out

Liverpool have been named as frontrunners for the signing of Brazil goalkeeper Bento after Inter Milan opted against paying Athletico Paranaense’s €15 million asking price. 

Inter have instead invested those funds into the signing of Genoa’s Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez, with the aim of making him their long-term No.1. 

That decision leaves Bento on the market with Liverpool, Sporting CP and Benfica named among the sides leading the chase for his signature according to Globo. 

Two more unnamed English sides have also been linked with signing the 2021 Copa Sudamericana winner. 

Inter’s reluctance to pay Athletico’s demands comes as a blow to the 25-year-old, who had a long-standing wish to make the switch to the Serie A giants. 

If no other interested teams match their requirements then Bento will be forced to stay put. 

The two-cap Brazil international is understudy to Liverpool first-choice Alisson Becker in the national team setup, playing against England at Wembley and Spain at the Bernabeu in the March friendlies. 

Alisson has said he would WELCOME the competition provided by Bento in the Brazil ranks, declaring: "I am still one of the younger ones!"

"I am at my peak. Brazil has many strong goalkeepers, both locally and internationally. It keeps us sharp and prevents complacency."

The homegrown keeper has been first choice at Athletico since 2022 and is under contract until the end of 2026. 

Kelleher wants out, Adrian gone

Liverpool are reportedly in the market for a goalkeeper this summer with Caoimhin Kelleher seeking a move elsewhere in order to establish himself as a No.1 while third-choice Adrian San Miguel has returned to Spain with Real Betis. 

Other players linked with the position have been Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson, Villarreal’s Filip Jorgensen, James Trafford of Burnley and Alex McCarthy of Southampton, who has since agreed a new contract. 

Kelleher, 25, has repeated his desire to test himself as a first-choice having spent many years in the shadow of Alisson. 

He was in goal as Liverpool won the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in February with Celtic and Nottingham Forest named as potential interested parties for the Irishman.  

There is significant disruption in the Reds’ goalkeeping department this summer with long-term coach John Achterberg leaving after 15 years. 

Fabian Otte will join as new goalkeeping coach following the conclusion of the Copa America, where he is currently working with the United States.