Liverpool are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis, according to journalist Neil Jones.

Speaking on his Youtube channel, the former Liverpool Echo and Goal reporter said that the Portuguese international could be an ideal replacement for Fabinho:

“A name that I would urge you to look out for is Florentino Luis, who plays for Benfica. I think he’s one who could come into consideration. He’s a very Fabinho-type player in terms of defensive midfielder, gets about the pitch, gets his foot in, strong in the tackle, really good defensively.”

“If Liverpool are looking for a like-for-like replacement for Fabinho, they could do a lot worse than look at Florentino Luis. Just keep an eye on that name. I haven’t heard if there’s anything moving yet in that regard but it’s certainly one I would keep in mind.”

Luis’s name has already been mentioned by Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian saying that the Reds have scouted the midfielder several times, so there is definite interest in the player.

Comparisons to Fabinho

As Jones points out, Luis does have many of the same traits as Fabinho, but the Benfica player does seem to have an edge in a few areas.

He averages nearly double the number of tackles and interceptions per 90 (6.14 to Fabinho’s 3.43 in the league last season), whilst he also has better progressive passing (6.99 per 90) and key passing (0.72 per 90) stats.

Liverpool may not be able to afford him

One of the main issues with pursuing Luis is his price tag. His release clause is €120m (£103m) and, with his contract set to expire in four years, Benfica won’t let him leave on the cheap.

Looking at the other options that the Reds are looking at, such as Sofyan Amrabat (£26m) and even Romeo Lavia (£50m), they may cost less than Luis.

There could also be competition for his signature with Arsenal having also been credited with an interest in the Portuguese midfielder.