Enzo Fernandez's preference would reportedly be a move to Liverpool as clubs line-up to sign the Benfica star.
The Argentine played a crucial role for his country as they claimed World Cup glory at the weekend. Fernandez was a regular in midfield with his individual performances seeing him named the Young Player of the Tournament - an accolade that has previously been handed to the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Fernandez's stock has firmly risen as a result and Benfica are set to be inundated with offers, albeit they are under no pressure to sell according to reports. The 21-year-old only moved to Lisbon in the summer from River Plate, but would prefer a move to Liverpool if he did leave the Estadio da Luz.
A story in Argentine publication Diario La Capital claimed last week that an agreement already existed between Benfica and Liverpool regarding Fernandez. It stated: "The English club already has an agreement in principle with the Portuguese club to incorporate the young Argentina midfielder from June 2023."
It is understood that the Reds could pay Benfica £80m and allow him to remain with the Portuguese outfit until the end of the season. Fernandez's old club would receive just shy of £20m as per their agreement. Benfica have been willing to sell their best assets for major fees in the past.
In recent years the likes of Joao Felix and Darwin Nunez have headed to pastures new for huge profits. Liverpool have tapped into the Portuguese of late, adding Nunez for a club-record fee back in the summer, just months after they'd signed Luis Diaz from Porto.
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Jurgen Klopp's immediate priority now though is bolstering his midfield options. The Reds opted against adding reinforcements in the middle of the park back in the summer, a move that has since been criticised given their inconsistent start to the campaign.
Several of the regulars are ageing or are struggling with injury problems. Arthur was bought in on loan in the summer but has barely featured due to constant fitness setbacks. Jude Bellingham is seen as their prime target with the Borussia Dortmund man only enhancing his reputation at the World Cup.
The German side are set to demand north of £100m to sign the England sensation with Liverpool in the running. However they will be battling with teams who have greater financial strength which could price them out of any move should Real Madrid and Manchester City get involved in a bidding war.
