Liverpool transfer target Alan Varela can be signed for €70m (£60m) due to a buyout clause in his contract with Porto, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Writing in his Daily Briefing column, Romano said that, while clubs are “scouting” the 22-year-old after he “impressed” against Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League, no team has stepped up their interest yet:

“Many clubs are sending scouts to follow the 22-year-old midfielder as he’s been excellent for Porto in the recent months.”

“I’m also told he has €70m release clause into his contract, and we know how difficult is to negotiate with Portuguese clubs, so this could be a difficult deal if any suitors come forward in the summer.”

What do Liverpool fans need to know about Varela?

The Argentine only joined Porto from Boca Juniors back in August so it is understandable why his club are reluctant to let him go so soon.

Varela is a holding midfield player by trade, having made 28 appearances in total this campaign, scoring 2 goals, contributing 2 assists, and picking up 6 yellow cards.

Are other Premier League teams interested in signing the player?

Manchester City, in addition to Liverpool, were originally linked with Varela, but neither team had scouts in attendance for Porto’s 1-0 win over Arsenal last week.

Three other English clubs had observers at the game with Manchester United, Aston Villa and West Ham all present.

It is not known which of these teams were keeping tabs on Varela, but they would have left the Estadio do Dragao with a good impression of the midfielder.

Liverpool’s pursuit of the player will, of course, depend on who the new sporting director and manager are. Signing a new No.6 may still be a priority, though, considering that Wataru Endo is not a long-term solution for the position.