According to A Bola, Liverpool have now submitted a bid to FC Porto for the services of Otávio, after talks reached an advanced stage.
What’s the story?
Well, it was – again – A Bola who revealed that the Reds were in advanced negotiations to sign the Brazilian.
In their report, the Portuguese news outlet claimed that Jürgen Klopp himself has personally requested Otávio’s arrival at Anfield.
Now, A Bola are claiming that Liverpool have firmed up their interest with a bid, said to be worth €23 million (£19.7 million).
Interestingly, Marko Grujić has also been included as part of the bid.
The 25-year-old spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at FC Porto, so it will be interesting to see if this tempts them into selling Otávio.
However, the Serbian only scored three goals in 41 appearances, so it is possible that FC Porto aren’t overly keen to have him back.
What if Otávio doesn’t arrive?
A Bola are claiming that Liverpool view Otávio as their replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
However, if the South American doesn’t end up at Anfield, it sounds like Liverpool have backup options.
A Bola name Saúl Ñíguez of Atlético Madrid, and Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven, as alternative options to Otávio.
The inclusion of Malen is a strange one.
The Dutchman isn’t really a centre-midfielder, but more of a forward.
In that respect, he couldn’t exactly be considered a replacement for Wijnaldum, although he’d still be an excellent addition in attack.
Whether it’s Saúl or Otávio, both men would be fine replacements for Wijnaldum, who has joined Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Anfield.
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