Liverpool to agree deal for 22-year-old South American forward and signing€25m-rated Portugal
international
Liverpool and Manchester United have both made a contract approach for Ajax attacker
Antony, according to the latest reports in Brazil.
The 22-year-old star has been one of de Joden’s standout performers under manager Erik ten
Hag this season, netting 12 goals and registering 10 assists in 33 matches.
The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their attacking options after a poor campaign and
it’s understood that the Dutchman has identified the Brazilian as a signing who could straight
away improve his squad.
He has now worked with the South American for two seasons in the Eredivisie and the
player was quick to make an impact in the division following his arrival from Rogerio
Ceni’s Sao Paulo in an £18.2 million deal two years ago.
However, UOL report the Merseysiders are also in the running to snap him up and have made
an official approach ‘in recent weeks’ along with their fellow Premier League club.
The report also says that Newcastle United have also made a contact but the wide man’s
preference would be to sign for either Liverpool or Manchester United.
In an interview with De Telegraaf this week, Erik made his admiration for his player clear.
‘If Antony were to go, it would be a loss for Ajax.
You have no-one in the current squad who can take over his position.
He is top class.’ he said.
Liverpool have rekindled their interest in Porto attacker Otavio.
The Merseyside giants had been linked with the 27-year-old attacker in the last couple
of transfer windows, but this time, they face competition from Man United and Newcastle
United.
Portugal international joined Porto in 2016 and has since played 236 games for the Dragons,
scoring 24 and assisting 62 goals.
The Portuguese attacker has been highly impressive this campaign in the right-wing role and has
racked up five goals and 13 assists for the Dragons, forcing bigger European teams to
take notice.
Liverpool, Man United, and Newcastle United have all sent scouts to watch Otavio, who
will still have three years remaining on his deal with the Dragons after the current campaign.
But it looks unlikely that Porto will be able to hold on to him if any of the three aforementioned
English clubs make a serious approach.
All the three interested sides have been impressed by the Portuguese’s displays this campaign
and believe he fits the profile of footballers they are looking at this summer.
It has been reported that Otavio has a €60m release clause in his deal.
Liverpool were linked with a move for the attacker in the past as well, with reports
claiming that they made an offer.
However, they ultimately signed Luis Diaz from Porto, who has been a big hit at Anfield.
But with the deal situations of Salah and Mane being as they are, it would bode well
for the Reds to add another quality wide attacker, making Otavio a viable target.