Enzo Fernandes is putting steps in place to ensure he can secure a Benfica exit should a club come calling, according to reports.
The Argentine's stock has skyrocketed after the World Cup, which has seen several European heavyweights consider a move. Fernandez, who played in the final win over France, was named the tournament's best young player.
Now the 21-year-old, who only moved to Lisbon in the summer from River Plate, has Manchester United, Real Madrid and Liverpool all watching him. The Red Devils are currently leading the race to sign Fernandez with the Reds his second option ahead of the Spanish giants.
TyC Sports reports that Fernandez's agent has returned to Portugal with his representative, should he be needed throughout January. Benfica have a release clause that exceeds the £100m mark, which means any mid-season move will require considerable financial power.
United made moves to sign a new midfielder in the summer, eventually adding Casemiro from Madrid. Frenkie de Jong was a long-time target and Erik ten Hag is still looking for new recruits in that area. Capturing Fernandez would be a huge coup for the Red Devils if they were to win the race.
Liverpool meanwhile also need to add a new midfielder. They opted not to add a marquee man in the middle of the park in the summer, a move that has since been criticised. Jude Bellingham is seen as their main target but Fernandez could prove to be a shrewd alternative.
The player himself as remained coy on his next move when asked. He said recently: “I don't know about my future or proposals, that's what my representative is taking care of”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recently commented on the possibility of signing Bellingham, whose value keeps increasing. He said: "He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional. With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn. He is a really good player.
"What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund. Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it."
