As per a report from O Jogo (h/t Metro), Liverpool have initiated talks to sign Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer. Based on our performances this season, it is quite evident that we are in dire need of a quality midfielder and if the report is to be believed, Fernandes has been identified as a potential target.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the 23-year-old has been earning rave reviews for his performances at Sporting. Having joined them only last summer from Sampdoria, Fernandes has made quite a mark for himself and has established himself as one of their key players.

The player never shies away from attacking situations as evidenced by the fact that Fernandes has 13 goals and 10 assists for Sporting across all competitions this season. In addition to that, he has also created 51 chances in 23 Portuguese top-flight appearances.

Quite unsurprisingly, Fernandes will not come cheap. The report claims that his release clause stands at a whopping £87million. It will certainly be interesting to see if Klopp splashes the cash. After the sale of Philippe Coutinho, our gaffer does have quite a bit of money at hand and bringing in a player like Fernandes could remarkably turn our attack into one of the sharpest in the Premier League.

We have been fortunate enough to have the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino playing for us this season but with challenges set to intensify next term, a player like Fernandes could make a difference.

Furthermore, his natural playing style is similar to that of Coutinho’s in many ways and perhaps the Portuguese sensation could end up being the ideal replacement for the departed Brazilian.