Liverpool transfer news: Klopp studying Portuguese league again as midfielder’s stunning rise forms duo of targets

Liverpool have locked onto a second Benfica star in the shape of Florentino Luis as an exciting transfer target, according to a report.

The Portuguese top flight has produced many of Europe’s top players down the years and that trend has continued of late. Indeed, Liverpool have benefitted massively from scouring the Primeira Liga.

They snapped up Luis Diaz from Porto in January and his recent injury has come as a massive blow to the Reds.

It means Darwin Nunez, who Liverpool raided Benfica for this summer, has more responsibility to find goals.

But, Liverpool have not finished looking at the Portuguese market for potential new signings. Recent reports have mentioned Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez as a key target from Benfica.

According to O Jogo, though, Liverpool are now also eyeing up rising Portugal star Luis.

The 23-year-old rose through Benfica’s youth ranks but had to wait for his chance. He spent the last two seasons on loan at Monaco and Getafe, respectively.

Luis’ spell in France did not go to plan, the midfielder playing just 262 minutes of football all season. Although, after finding his feet at Getafe, he has not looked back after earning his Benfica breakthrough.

Luis has played every minute this season, with Benfica remaining unbeaten in the league and Champions League.

Liverpool have Florentino Luis transfer problem

However, Liverpool will not find it easy to sign Luis should they firm up their interest in him.

That is because the Portugal Under-21 international signed a new contract on Friday. And those new terms feature a €120million (£104million) release clause.

That figure comes in as the joint-highest release clause in the Benfica squad alongside striker Goncalo Ramos, who has replaced Nunez.

Luis has formed a strong bond with Fernandez, the pair playing together in all 17 games for Benfica this season.

And the fact that he has just signed a new contract means Benfica are in a strong negotiating position over his future.

The report adds that Liverpool remain keen on Fernandez, who is looking to star at the World Cup for Argentina.

Benfica star set up for glittering career

Luis has hit the ground running at Benfica and it looks as though those two loan spells – even if the first one did not fill him with much confidence – have taught him a lot about himself.

He is now taking all that into this season and is still very much learning about being a first-team star.

However, Luis looks as though he is taking it in his stride alongside Fernandez.

In fact, Luis may well feel he has a strong chance of making Portugal’s World Cup squad, given his starring role in a still-unbeaten Benfica team.

As for his club future, the £104million release clause will certainly be looked at by Liverpool and other top teams.

His suitors may not want to pay it in January, but if Luis plays at the World Cup and remains injury free for the rest of the season, those clubs may well think again.