Liverpool are close to reaching a personal agreement with Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to reports in Argentina.
The 21-year-old has been a key figure for Argentina during their World Cup campaign in Qatar, and is now preparing for his nation’s semi-final against Croatia on Tuesday.
At club level, Fernandez is midway through his first season with Benfica after joining them in an €18 million (£15.4m) deal from River Plate in July.
According to ESPN Argentina, Liverpool have held talks to sign Fernandez and are now close to agreeing a contract with the midfielder.
However, Liverpool are yet to reach an agreement with Benfica, who are well protected with a €120m (£103.1m) release clause in Fernandez’s contract.
The Portuguese club also have to pay a 25 per cent sell-on fee to River Plate as part of their agreement in the summer.
Meanwhile, Argentine midfielder Enzo Perez, who played alongside Fernandez at River Plate, believes his former teammate would have no trouble adjusting to the Premier League if he opted to make the move to Liverpool.
‘After the World Cup, he will think about the best for him and for the club where he is,’ Perez said.
‘I have no doubt that, due to his qualities, and because I know him well, I know very well that he will do things well, wherever he goes.
‘I’m in contact with him, I know how well he’s done things. When he left here, it didn’t cost him to adapt to Benfica. He quickly settled down to what he wanted to do. team and coach.
‘If he decides to change leagues, obviously everything takes time, but let’s hope that the adaptation is as small as possible and that he continues to grow as a player.’
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