Man Utd, Liverpool and Man City set to battle it out for £105m Argentina international in January

Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly set to battle it out in January for the signature of Argentina international Enzo Fernandez.

The transfer window is fast approaching and three of the Premier League's biggest teams could be in the market for a new midfielder.

It is the area of most concern for Liverpool, who have been decimated by injuries this season, while United are also in desperate need of another midfielder after missing out on Frenkie de Jong in the summer transfer window.

City have much stronger options in midfield but could be looking to the future, with Ilkay Gundogan now 32 and Kevin De Bruyne 31.

Portuguese outlet Record Portugal, as reported by CaughtOffside, claim that United, City and Liverpool could all make a move for Benfica midfielder Fernandez in January.

United are reported to be "crazy" about the midfielder are said to be the "main club" interested in signing him.

But the report adds that clubs would need to pay a huge £105m release clause in his contract with Benfica to sign him this winter.

Who is Enzo Fernandez?

The 21-year-old joined Benfica from Argentine club River Plate in June for a fee of around €10m (£8.75m).

After scoring on his debut for the club in August, Fernandez has gone on to make 23 appearances for Benfica this season, scoring three times.

He is also a full Argentina international, having made his debut for his country in September in a 3-0 win over Honduras.

Fernandez was named in Argentina's provisional 28-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar, with the Lionel Scaloni's final squad set to be announced on Monday.

Fernandez is attracting interest from Benfica (Image: Alamy)

Could he join United?

Earlier this year, before his move from River Plate to Benfica, Fernandez was asked about a possible transfer to United or Real Madrid, who were also linked with him at the time.

He told TyC Sports: "Calmly, humbly, with a low profile. I try to work day by day to keep improving and growing.

"Luckily I'm finding regularity, continuity and my teammates and the coaching staff help me a lot. I handle it well.

"I'm grateful for the compliments, I read a lot of the messages they send and I'm happy.

"I will continue on this path."

Topics: Argentina, Football, Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Transfers, Benfica

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan