Liverpool can beat Man Utd to sign "talented midfielder" if they trigger huge clause

Liverpool and Manchester United both recently scouted Benfica star Joao Neves but there's only one option in the race to secure his signature.

Last week, reports from Portugal broke news that Liverpool now want to sign the Neves but Fabrizio Romano has now shared another update on the 19-year-old.

Benfica do not intend to open talks for Neves but his release clause presents the only option Liverpool can take to beat United to his signature.

Romano reports via Twitter: "Benfica have no intention to open talks for João Neves in January despite Man United sending their scouts many times to track talented midfielder.

"There’s same clause as Enzo Fernández one year ago into his contract: €120m."

Benfica don't want to accept anything less than 120 million (m) for Neves but until he has more experience, that is a simply unbelievable amount of money to pay for a teenager.

With Kylian Mbappe out of contract at the end of the season, Liverpool would be better off signing for around the same amount.

Of course, that's not going to happen but unless FSG change their transfer policy overnight, they won't be signing Joao Neves for €120m either.

Neves is a defensive midfielder and so would be really useful for Jurgen Klopp given the German manager doesn't have a specialist in that role since Fabinho left the club.

A lot has been written about interest in Andre but it's unclear whether or not it's simply paper talk or Liverpool are biding their time as the January transfer window edges closer.