Liverpool scouts have been impressed with what they’ve seen from Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.
The Reds have previously been linked with the 24-year-old, and at one stage looked poised to make a move during the summer. But with Liverpool plumping for other targets, Luis ended up staying at Benfica.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey though, this hasn’t necessarily deterred the Reds, or other suitors. Speaking on the 90min Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey said that a lot of teams, including Liverpool, still like the Portuguese.
“A lot of people like Florentino Luis, [Joao] Neves’ midfield partner at Benfica,” the journalist said, when discussing Manchester City target Joao Neves. “I know Liverpool like him a lot and Manchester United have had a look as well.
“But everyone when they watch Benfica this is the guy [Neves] standing out.”
With Liverpool heavily reported to be gearing up to sign Andre Trindade from Fluminense in January, this re-merging link to Florentino is interesting.
Despite the plentiful business they got done in the summer, it would seem that the Reds are after one more to complete the puzzle.
In that respect, the Portugal international – as well as Andre – would fit the bill.
On paper he’s exactly what Liverpool are missing in their squad right now – a specialist defensive midfielder.
Now a key part of the Benfica midfield, it’s unlikely that the Reds would be able to get Luis on the cheap, though.
It’s been reported that he has a £103m release clause [The Express]. And although it’s obviously unlikely that he’d command a fee even close to that, Benfica famously do not budge on their valuations.
As a result, perhaps Andre would be the more affordable choice for Liverpool. The Brazilian seems to be the one they really want anyway. Failing that though, don’t be surprised to see links with Luis firm up again.
