Liverpool transfers: €120m Benfica star Joao Neves named as 'priority target'

Liverpool have identified Joao Neves as their ‘priority target’ in the transfer market this summer but must OFFLOAD players before pursuing a deal for the Benfica star. 

That’s according to the latest report in Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha, which claims Benfica won’t budge from their €120 million asking price for the teenage sensation. 

The 19-year-old midfielder is also on the list for Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain and the Liga Portugal giants are reported to have already turned down two bids worth €60m for the ball-winner. 

It’s now claimed that the Reds want to add Joao Neves to their squad for next season and are currently preparing a proposal for Benfica’s consideration. 

However, CM also reports that Liverpool cannot go into the market for Neves until certain outgoings are completed. 

Liverpool are seeking buyers for players like Caoimhin Kelleher and Sepp van den Berg while Tyler Morton has also been mentioned as a potential departure. 

Liverpool's midfield untouchables

 Those deals must be wrapped up, according to the report, before the Anfield side formalise their offer. 

CM also states that both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott are considered ‘firm fixtures’ in Arne Slot’s midfield but Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch will need to be assessed by the new head coach. 

READ MORE: Liverpool's £65m clearout

The Portuguese report also claims that Slot would prefer a player with Neves’ characteristics over either Szoboszlai or Gravenberch. 

Furthermore, an acceptable bid for Mohamed Salah could also increase Liverpool’s spending power within this window.  

Neves is scheduled to rejoin his Benfica colleagues next week following his Euro 2024 exertions with Portugal. 

He is under contract until 2028, having renewed his deal at the start of last season, but is reported to have turned down multiple efforts on the part of his employers to extend his contract and offer him a pay bump.