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Liverpool are in pole position to sign World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, who once attracted interest from Serie A giants AC Milan.
The 21-year-old arrived at the World Cup on the fringes of Argentina’s starting XI but went on to play a central role as Lionel Scoloni’s side claimed La Albiceleste's first World Cup since 1986.
Fernandez started Argentina’s last five matches in Qatar and was crowned the Young Player of the Tournament after Sunday’s thrilling final.
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The Benfica star's performances have also caught the attention of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds believed to be in pole position to sign the midfielder.
Fernandez to Liverpool
Reputable journalist Gianluca Di Marzio wrote in Italian publication CalcioMercato that Fernandez is targeting a move to Merseyside.
The claim is supported by other outlets, including Ojogo, who allege that Fernandez prefers a move to Liverpool, despite interest from clubs in Spain and Italy.
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However, if he were to move to the Premier League giants it would cost an eye-watering amount. CalcioMercato claims that Liverpool will have to put in a “monstrous” offer to secure the Argentina international’s services.
Indeed, Fernandez’s release clause is said to be around £105million, with the 21-year-old’s previous club River Plate allegedly due to receive 25 per cent of any future transfer fee.
What could have been for Milan?
Di Marzio also claimed that Fernandez could have ended up in Italy last summer.
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The then-River Plate star was reportedly offered to various Serie A clubs, including Milan.
The Rossoneri’s chief scout Geoffrey Moncada was even said to have “fallen in love” with the player, but the club ultimately opted to sign Belgian duo Charles De Ketelaere and Aster Vranckx.
At the time Fernandez was valued at just £17.5million. He is now worth five times that amount.
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Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Football, Enzo Fernandez, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Transfers