Liverpool have now made an approach to sign West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes, having recently held a meeting with the midfielder’s agents.
Reds eyeing Fernandes with Mac Allister tipped to leave
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle believes Alexis Mac Allister may exit Anfield in the summer, despite not being at his best this season, and suggested a move to Spain could be on the cards.
Doyle said: “I’ve long had a hunch that Mac Allister will leave at the end of the season, with Real Madrid his next destination. However, the player’s form this campaign has been less than anyone would have wanted and has seen such talk largely dissipate.
“But this is a World Cup year. And if Mac Allister has a good one with Argentina, there’s every chance Real will be sniffing around him and, with two years left on his contract, if a new deal isn’t agreed then Liverpool would have a decision to make should a big-money offer come in.”
The journalist also states it would be “difficult” to replace the Argentinian, but the recruitment team have started identifying targets in the middle of the park, including Real Madrid star Arda Guler and AS Monaco’s Lamine Camara.
There is also an option from much closer to home, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing the Reds are stepping up their pursuit of West Ham star Fernandes, with their Premier League rivals thought to be willing to cash-in for around £55m.
A source added: “Liverpool have had a meeting with someone from Gestifute. They’re looking at Mateus Fernandes as a serious option in midfield this summer.”
Having held discussions with the Portuguese maestro’s agents, the Merseysiders are getting serious about securing his signature, off the back of an impressive debut season at West Ham, during which he’s amassed five goals and four assists in 35 matches across all competitions.
Even prior to his move to England, the 21-year-old was catching the eye in Portugal, receiving plaudits for his passing ability from scout Ben Mattinson.
Fernandes’ wages and suitability to replace Mac Allister
The former Southampton man pockets £60k-a-week at the London Stadium, and could be a like-for-like replacement for Mac Allister, given that he is also capable of playing in attack-minded and defensive midfield roles.
However, Liverpool should undoubtedly keep the Argentinian beyond the end of the campaign, with Arne Slot of the belief he is better than vast majority of midfielders on the planet in two key areas, previously saying: “He is one of the few players in the world that combines this great game intelligence, great on the ball, but (with) a tenacity without the ball.
“In our midfield, he stands out in terms of tenacity.”
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