Liverpool are believed to be in ‘advanced’ talks to sign FC Porto attacking midfielder Otavio in the coming days.
Recently linked with the Brazilian ace, with the possibility of Marko Grujic heading in the other direction after a loan spell in Portugal, the Reds are seemingly pushing forwards with the move.
The 26-year-old has a reported €40million (£34.3million) release clause until the end of June, which then rises to €60million (£51.4million) thereafter.
Now, a fresh claim from A Bola, as cited by Sport Witness on Twitter, as claimed Jurgen Klopp could be close to landing his man.
Twitter: Otavio | Liverpool ‘advanced’ talks for signing – Klopp’s ‘express request’, Reds likely to push ‘in coming hours’… https://t.co/2jkKrrvlMd (@Sport_Witness)
The report goes a step further a suggests the deal could be imminent as the Reds look to get their squad in order ahead of a return to pre-season training.
Described as a ‘great talent’ by Spanish legend Iker Casillas, Otavio has scored 19 goals and registered another 49 assists in 18 outings for Porto.
Last term, the Brazilian youth star netted five times and added another 12 assists – earning an average Sofascore rating of 7.30 in 26 Primeira Liga appearances.
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Valued at £21.5million and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), signing the versatile midfielder for the mooted fee would be a shrewd deal.
Following the loss of Gini Wijnaldum, Liverpool need additional midfield options, a position Otavio can cover, albeit in a more attacking mould.
Predominantly operating centrally, the diminutive ace can also play on either wing, the Brazilian possesses an abundance of attributes that would lend themselves to a Philippe Coutinho style replacement.
