Liverpool are in pole position to seal a deal for Benfica’s attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca after Besiktas chose not to activate the purchase clause in his loan contract, according to Record.
The Portuguese football newspaper state that the Turkish side did not bid the £18.3million (€21million) required to make his temporary deal a permanent one, despite his dazzling form for the club, and that the Reds are now front runners for his capture.
The 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) midfielder was a goal machine from the centre of the pitch last season, netting 20 goals in 47 appearances, including four strikes in six Champions League starts as Besiktas reached the last 16, with his parent side knocked out in the group stage.
Good move for Liverpool?
As evidenced in the Champions League final where Jurgen Klopp was forced into picking the only available starters, Liverpool desperately need back up in the centre of the pitch, especially with Emre Can likely to leave this summer.
Talisca might be a bit more of an attacking mind than the German but that is the Reds operate now – we will score more goals than the opposition – and by and far it has worked out pretty well.
However, with Naby Keita also on his way to Anfield, another attacking midfielder probably should not be their first priority, though that is not to say he would not be a brilliant bit of business were he to head to Merseyside.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It seems as though the Reds are leading the way for the 24-year-old but there will no doubt a number of clubs hot on their heels, waiting to pounce if they slip up in the hunt.
If Liverpool have the money that Benfica will be demanding, then it could be a done deal sooner rather than later.
However, nothing is simple in football, and it will take much negotiation to get a move over the line.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10