Expert thinks it may be unlikely for Liverpool to recruit Porto talent because of the rising wonderkid

Neil Jones, speaking about reports linking the Reds with Alan Varela, said that Liverpool does not necessarily want to prioritise midfield in this summer’s transfer window because they regard Stefan Bajcetic highly inside the team.

The Porto midfielder has shown promise recently and appears to be a valuable addition for many elite teams, but it appears Jones is not convinced by the connection to Liverpool.

Jones revealed he hasn’t heard anything official about a move for Varela when speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for the most recent edition of his Daily Briefing column. Instead, he focused on the other gifted players the club has in that position.

Liverpool is well-stocked in that region of their roster after signing Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai last summer. It also appears that Bajcetic will play a significant part after recovering from injury.

Due to Bajcetic, Varela’s transfer links were downplayed.

In light of the Varela connections, Jones spoke about Liverpool and prospective midfield additions, saying: “I’m not aware of anything concrete in links between Liverpool and the Porto midfielder Alan Varela.” Even if the Reds will lose Thiago Alcantara to a free transfer in the summer, I think they have a decent amount of players in that position right now.

With Wataru Endo excluded, Liverpool’s midfield core is primarily composed of players under the age of 25. During their first season, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have adapted well, and Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones have grown into dependable first-team players.

Additionally, he said, “I think Stefan Bajcetic is a key player to consider when discussing Liverpool’s midfield intentions. He has recently returned to action. Even though he is only 19 years old, he has already made an impact on the starting lineup and possesses the talents and adaptability to play either as a No. 6 or a No. 8, depending on what the team requires.

“He is seen as a big player for Liverpool’s future internally, and I anticipate that he will play a big part going forward, which will have a big impact on the club’s midfield transfer plans.”

More news……

According to reports, Liverpool’s new manager has agreed a contract.

Because of connections to the Liverpool manager’s position, Nagelsmann has held negotiations with a number of interested teams but has turned them all down.

With Julian Nagelsmann agreeing to a new contract with the Germany national team, Liverpool now has less options when searching for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement.

The 36-year-old’s contract was originally intended to end with this summer’s home European Championships, when he was first chosen as interim manager. He has since decided to serve a longer term, citing “a decision of the heart” for the change.

Although Nagelsmann was never seen as the front-runner, he was briefly associated with the Liverpool role. His representative, Volker Struth, disclosed that his client had discussions with several European clubs and Bayern Munich, but all of them were passed up in favour of the national squad.

In an interview with the Spielmacher podcast, Struth stated, “It would be absurd to claim that we are not speaking with potential investors without first requesting their identity. I just have one thing to say: it’s not just Bayern Munich.”

Nevertheless, Nagelsmann has signed a new two-year contract with Germany, as the DFB has officially verified. After taking over for Hansi Flick in September, the coach has won three of his six games in charge, and he will remain in the position until after the 2026 World Cup.

In the meantime, Niko Kovac and Roberto De Zerbi are still included in the picture of conjecture, with Ruben Amorim being portrayed as the front-runner for the Liverpool job. As Liverpool continues their hunt, the ECHO disclosed that, in contrast to claims, no verbal agreement has been reached with Amorim.

More rumours have been stoked by journalist Pedro Sepulveda’s accusation that Amorim’s agent purchased a new home in Liverpool for one of his staff members. There are still rumours circulating about talks between Liverpool and the coach of Sporting Lisbon.

❗️Rúben Amorim's agent bought an apartment in Liverpool. One of his employee will live there permanently. 👀

🇨🇴 They've Diaz in @LFC.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @LFC and Amorim are in final negotiations regarding the coach's contract.

🦁 @SportingCP doesn't have any name to replace Amorim, yet. pic.twitter.com/ZnqezzqvEe

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) April 18, 2024