Liverpool were seemingly minutes away from completing a second January transfer signing in the shape of Fulham attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho.
Moments after the 11pm deadline passed, numerous journalists confirmed that the deal had missed the cut-off and wouldn’t be confirmed during the mid-season window.
Whilst the starlet was set to be loaned back to the Championship table-toppers, the Reds were clearly keen to secure the summer arrival of the exciting 19-year old.
Speaking on Sky Sports in the wake of the news, former Premier League striker Clinton Morrrison was disappointed that the move didn’t materialise.
I am gutted for Carvalho. He is a serious, serious talent, he is one of the best youngsters in the Championship. I thought he would have been outstanding for Liverpool. He is a player. He has lightened up the Championship. He has got so much ability. He would fit in that Liverpool side. He excites me, he is a talented individual. Jurgen Klopp would get the best out of him. He glides past people for fun in the Championship.
So far this season Carvalho has earned an impressive 7.07 average Sofascore rating whilst scoring seven times and providing four assists in 18 second-tier outings.
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Holding a market value of £3.15million and out of contract at the end of the season (Transfermarkt), Liverpool will remain confident of signing the ace in the summer.
However, this move may now have to go through a tribunal process in order to determine a fee.
There is also the possibility of increased competition for the signature but the Reds will be hopeful a now pre-existing relationship will see Carvalho arrive on Merseyside.
One deal that did beat the clock was the loan move of Neco Williams that saw the Welshman join Fulham until the end of the season.
