'Checking with my sources': Fabrizio Romano shares what he heard about Liverpool and Alan Varela late last night

Liverpool have been linked with a deadline-day move to sign Porto midfielder Alan Varela.

The Reds have had a fairly quiet summer, but Arne Slot and Richard Hughes have been busy in the final week of the transfer window.

Liverpool have been in need of a new defensive midfielder for well over a year now, and fans are hoping to see one before Friday night’s deadline.

Varela’s name came up late on Thursday night, and Fabrizio Romano has had his say on the rumour during his stream on Playback.

Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are not in talks to sign Alan Varela

Liverpool have definitely been in the market to sign a new midfielder this summer.

Many people in the game believe that the Reds have a big weakness in the middle of their park, one that they haven’t addressed since Fabinho left the club.

That’s why Liverpool tried to sign Martin Zubimendi, but the Real Sociedad midfielder, after a lot of speculation, rejected a move to Anfield.

Things have been quiet on that front since, but on Thursday, journalist Luis Fregossi claimed on X that Liverpool have made an offer to sign Varela from Porto.

That got many fans excited, but Romano has now confirmed that nothing is going on between the Reds and the talented Argentinian midfielder.

He said late on Thursday night: “To answer on Varela, I received many questions, I was checking with my sources on this story because Varela is a fantastic midfielder. He’s a player I could spend two hours talking about Varela because many clubs have had Varela in their radar this summer.

“But, the answer from Porto has always been the same – Varela is only leaving for the release clause. Tonight, I saw some reports about Liverpool and saying about the release clause of €90 million. No guys! The release clause of Alan Varela in his contract at Porto is €65 million. This is the release clause.

“Then, Liverpool, at this moment in the night, 1:00 am in England, 2:00 am in Italy and in central Europe, Liverpool are not working on a deal for Varela now.

“What I can tell you is that Porto, I had also some contacts tonight, guarantee that they have had no contact or bid from Liverpool.”

What Liverpool are expected to do on deadline day

Liverpool’s one major signing in this summer’s transfer window is Federico Chiesa from Juventus.

Yes, they have also signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia, but the goalkeeper will not be coming to Anfield until 2025.

Just two deals done all summer – only one of which is for this season – is pretty disappointing for Liverpool fans, who are hoping for some big news on deadline day.

However, Romano confirmed in the same stream late last night that Liverpool have no clear target in mind and will only do something if a good opportunity presents itself on the last day of the window.

It remains to be seen if that happens.