Benfica star Carlos Vinicius offered a new deal including release clause

According to Portuguese publication Record (h/t Birmingham Live), Liverpool target Carlos Vinicius is in talks with Benfica over a bigger and better contract.

The 25-year-old striker has enjoyed a stellar season at Benfica and has scored an impressive 20 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances so far. Having started his career as a central defender, the Brazilian progressed up the pitch and has gone on to make a name for himself at the other end.

The Eagles are keen to hold onto their asset. They have offered the player a substantial increase in wages with an improved release clause of €120million.

Premier League rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on Vinicius. They had earlier made a move to sign the player and fell short only due to him being unable to secure a work permit.

Vinicius moved to Europe in 2017 with Real Sport Clube in Portugal. He immediately impressed in his debut season by scoring 20 goals and five assists in 38 games.

His performances earnt him a move to Napoli the following year. Interestingly, he failed to make a single competitive appearance for the Italians and instead spent the season out on loan at Rio Ave and Monaco.

His performances were enough for Benfica to splash the cash on him last summer. He currently has a release clause of €100million and is contracted at the club till 2024.

It has proved to be an inspired signing with Vinicius currently leading the scoring charts in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

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Liverpool are also heavily linked with German ace Timo Werner. The Reds could do with reinforcements, especially to their attack. With Mohamed Salah set to miss four months of next season, it is an area that needs strengthening.

The Premier League is currently suspended and it remains to be seen what impact it has on the transfer market.