Liverpool spy double raid on familiar hunting ground to fix two Klopp concerns, as Tottenham duplicate plan
Liverpool have been taking a closer look at two potential targets from the same club, according to a report, although Tottenham have their eyes on both players as well.
There will be a few areas for Liverpool to address during the summer transfer window. This season, their midfield has come under scrutiny, while they may also need another centre-back. If they can reinforce those two roles, Jurgen Klopp might be able to build a team to challenge at the top again.
They already have various potential targets in mind for each role. Now, their links with two Benfica players seem to be reaching the next stage.
According to a report from 90min, the Portuguese side’s centre-back Antonio Silva and midfielder Florentino Luis remain on the Reds’ radar.
In fact, Liverpool have sent scouts to watch both players, most recently for Benfica’s 2-0 win over Famalicao on Friday. Their specific mission was to watch Silva and Luis.
Having already been linked with the pair, Liverpool could now be preparing a double raid on Benfica for the duo, after also signing Darwin Nunez from the same club last summer.
However, the report indicates that Tottenham did exactly the same thing in terms of sending observers to monitor Silva and Luis.
Spurs are also aiming to strengthen at centre-back. Furthermore, a long-term injury to Rodrigo Bentancur may prompt them to find midfield cover when the transfer window opens.
Therefore, they also need players like Silva and Luis. And at 19 and 23 years of age respectively, they would be investments for both the present and the future.
Liverpool or Tottenham could offer new opportunities to Benfica duo
Neither of them has played in the Premier League yet. But Luis has earned experience outside his native country after loan spells in France and Spain.
They have also both been impressing during Benfica’s run in the Champions League, which has a good chance of continuing into the quarter-finals after their first-leg win away to Club Brugge.
Silva and Luis are both due to be under contract with Benfica until 2027. They have made 33 and 41 appearances in all competitions respectively this season.
Funnily enough, it is actually the defender Silva who has been a goal threat too, scoring three times, whereas Luis is still yet to get off the mark since his reintegration into the Benfica fold. He has, though, provided three assists.
With Liverpool and Tottenham both now showing an interest, there could be a bidding war for both players. It remains to be seen if both will go to the same club out of the two, or they could end up at one each.
As long as they remain important players to Benfica, their current employers will be keen to keep hold of them – or at least get a good deal if they have to sell them.
