Liverpool 'preparing big January bid for Benfica's Enzo Fernandez'

The 21-year-old has been courted by several top European clubs after being named the Best Young Player at the 2022 World Cup to help lead Argentina to their third title.

Fernandez came up with one goal and one assist for Lionel Scaloni's men in the group phase, and he played every minute in the knockout rounds as La Albiceleste beat France on penalties in a pulsating final.

The former River Plate man only joined Benfica from his homeland club in the summer, and the Eagles are under no pressure to sell him, as his contract runs until the summer of 2027.

Furthermore, Fernandez is understood to possess a release clause of over £100m in his Benfica contract, and the Portuguese giants are unlikely to consider offers below that nine-figure sum in January.

Reports that Liverpool had struck a pre-contract agreement with the midfielder are now thought to be wide of the mark, but the Reds are still regarded as one of the frontrunners for his signature.

According to Grand Hotel Calciomercato, Liverpool are preparing a monster bid for Fernandez's services next month, although it is unclear how much the Reds are willing to fork out.

Fernandez's entourage supposedly offered Italian clubs such as AC Milan the chance to sign Fernandez from River Plate earlier this year, but the Rossoneri instead moved for Aster Vranckx and Charles de Ketelaere.

The Argentina international is believed to favour a move to Liverpool should he part ways with Benfica, although Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in recent months.

Fernandez has already come up with three goals and five assists in 24 outings for Benfica during his first half-season at the club, starting all 13 Primeira Liga matches as Roger Schmidt's side sit eight points clear of Porto at the top of the table.

In the Champions League, Fernandez has contributed assists against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus to help Benfica - who remain unbeaten this season - top Group H ahead of the French and Italian powerhouses.

Liverpool's midfield could be set for a significant overhaul at the end of the season, as Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner could all leave the club upon the expiration of their contracts.

Arthur's loan move from Juventus is not expected to be made permanent either, with the Reds bringing the Brazilian to Anfield on deadline day after holding off on making a big-money midfield signing.

Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat are also understood to be on the radar of the Liverpool board, and the latter has supposedly been identified as their priority winter target.

Ahead of Thursday's EFL Cup fourth-round tie with Manchester City, Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders affirmed that the Reds would "always" be prepared to move for the right player in January.