Liverpool and Manchester City are ready to battle it out for the signature of FC Porto star Alan Varela for next summer.
According to Fichajes, Alan Varela could open up a transfer battle between English giants Liverpool and Manchester City next summer. Both the Premier League sides are looking for a midfielder of the FC Porto star’s profile and could make approaches for the €70 million-rated Argentine midfielder.
Liverpool Manchester City are interested in Alan Varela
Big Premier League clubs will look to strengthen their midfield options next summer when the market allows a lot more flexibility than the winter window. In January, most top teams have sat quietly so far, with financial restrictions playing a significant role in their decision-making.
Liverpool and Manchester City are now targeting a common name in Alan Varela, with the FC Porto star’s profile suiting both teams. Jurgen Klopp’s men had an interest in the €70 million-rated Argentine midfielder before last summer. Still, they spurned the opportunity as the midfielder joined FC Porto from Boca Juniors in a €9 million deal.
Liverpool still do not have an outright defensive midfielder in their ranks, with Alexis Mac Allister playing in the holding role since the season began. The same cannot be said about Manchester City, who boast one of the best No.6 in the world in Rodrigo Hernandez.
With Kalvin Phillips soon leaving for West Ham United on a loan deal, the England international is not expected to return to the Etihad next summer. Hence, Pep Guardiola may have a vacancy in that defensive midfield position to add another star, and the €70 million-rated Argentine midfielder, Varela, might do the trick.
Could Varela move to the Premier League?
FC Porto has already seen links about some of their top performers this month but expects to keep most of them on board until the summer. Centre-forward Evanilson remains linked with Arsenal, and now Varela seems like a wanted man with a host of clubs chasing him.
Both players might move in the summer, with Varela reportedly carrying a €70 million clause in his contract. Liverpool has good relations with Porto following their recent business involving Luis Diaz. However, they will want the price reduced for the Argentine and can come to a compromise with the Portuguese giants.
Manchester City have a different pull in the market, which enables them to have any player they want in the market. If Varela chooses to join Guardiola’s charges, then the Premier League side might fight to achieve a hard bargain with Porto, which could help them pay a reasonable price compared to his current release clause.
