BREAKING NEWS: confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, 🚨🚨 HERE WE GO, Liverpool have reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign Porto combative midfielder in 2024/2025. Barcelona and several Premier League teams have been linked with a move for this star player over the past few months, but joining Liverpool remains his priority and he has avoided renewing his Porto contract at the request of Liverpool.

The tenacious defensive midfielder has garnered high praise since his days at Boca Juniors. Even last year, at the tender age of 22, he attracted attention from top clubs like Liverpool while still plying his trade in Argentina. In the summer, Varela made a move to Porto for €8 million, and he has thrived ever since. Despite Porto trailing in domestic competitions, they recently shocked Arsenal in the Champions League, clinching victory in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie with a late goal from Galeno.

Varela’s commanding performance in midfield during that match has reignited interest from elite clubs seeking a dependable holding midfielder. Liverpool, in particular, are reportedly keeping tabs on him once again, as per O Jogo, while Manchester United dispatched scouts to observe him in action against Arsenal. Both clubs are eager to bolster their defensive midfield ranks in the upcoming transfer window, with Varela emerging as a viable target.

Manchester United is looking to transition away from the aging Casemiro and is not expected to make Sofyan Amrabat’s loan permanent. Meanwhile, Liverpool may seek to upgrade from Wataru Endo, despite the 31-year-old’s impressive performances this season, which earned him acclaim from departing manager Jurgen Klopp, who advocated for the club to secure him on a long-term deal.

Varela’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €18 million, but with a contract running until 2028, Porto is not under immediate pressure to sell. Interested parties will likely have to pay a hefty premium for the 22-year-old, with recent reports citing an asking price as high as €70 million.