Exclusive: Liverpool hold internal talks over signing the 'next Javier Mascherano'

Liverpool are weighing up a deal to sign Porto midfielder Alan Varela as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his squad and have held internal talks over a deal.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the midfielder has a £60million buy-out clause in his contract, which the Reds could look to trigger.

Varela, 22, has been compared internally to former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano on the back of his tigerish defensive midfield displays for Porto.

Having previously done business in Portugal, Liverpool are keen to return to that market, led by their data-driven scouting system under Michael Edwards.

Liverpool target £60million Alan Varela deal with Porto

Varela joined Porto from Boca Juniors last summer for a fee of £6.8million, with his release clause representing a significant increase in their investment should he leave.

He made 44 appearances this season including eight in the Champions League as he helped Porto reach the last 16, where they were defeated on penalties by Arsenal.

Varela has also represented Argentina at youth level, but is yet to feature in the senior team.

However, his recent inclusion in Argentina’s provisional squad for the Olympic Games means the midfielder will miss pre-season and possibly the beginning of the Premier League season.

After Wataru Endo arrived at Anfield last summer, his position remains an area of focus for the Reds.

Football Insider revealed on 3 June that Liverpool would look to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer to strengthen the core of Slot’s side.

With Edwards implementing a new recruitment strategy at Anfield, the club will target players under the age of 25 who they can develop and grow at the club.

At just 22 years old, Varela fits that description and would bring experience in a top league and the Champions League, making him a key target.

In other news, Caoimhin Kelleher is keen to quit Liverpool and join a Premier League club this summer.

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