Porto left-back Soares ‘flattered’ by Liverpool interest

FC Porto left-back Rafa Soares has said that he has been left ‘flattered’ by reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool, but he is focused on succeeding at Porto, according to a report on the Liverpool Echo.

Liverpool’s hunt for a left-back this summer took them to Portuguese club Porto, where 22-year-old Rafa Soares is highly rated.

Soares was quick to praise Liverpool and show his admiration for the club but he is still looking to push through the ranks at Porto where he has not yet made a first team appearance.

“Liverpool are famous and popular in Portugal where people value the history of a club. I’m naturally flattered, but I’m a Porto player and focused on succeeding here,” the defender explained.

“My main goal is to establish myself and get first-team football. I feel ready and confident that after my last season I will be given a chance.”

But with Porto in financial trouble after breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules, which has already resulted in the €40 million sale of Andre Silva to AC Milan, Soares could be the next player sacrificed at the Estadio Dragao. The full-back has a €15 million release clause in his contract.

Although he is a full-back, Soares managed to get his name on the scoresheet three times last season, while also registering four assists. One of his key strengths is his crossing and passing, whereas his aerial ability is somewhat of a weakness.

He spent last season on loan at fellow Portuguese Primeira Liga club Rio Ave, where he was an influential figure in helping the side to a brilliant seventh-placed finish.

The Portuguese also represents the national side at under-21 level and is looking to break through into the first-team squad ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to solve the problem at left-back where midfielder James Milner deputised superbly last season. With Alberto Moreno out of favour and possibly heading for the exit door, Klopp is keen to sign a left-back as soon as he can and Soares may be the man he brings in.